There is not one question in my mind about who is “THE Boss.” I am fresh off my gazillionth Bruce Springsteen concert. This show was in San Jose, at the HP Pavilion on April 24, 2012.
Let’s talk about Leadership, Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band.
Full disclosure…I am a Jersey Girl…
Bruce Springsteen is an extraordinary leader. What makes an extraordinary leader, you ask? Let me give you the top qualities and explain.
First, some context – Bruce is 62 years old, has 20 albums over a span of 40 years, 21 Grammy Awards, one Academy Award, two Golden Globes, and has sold more than 120 million albums globally. He has been married since 1991 and has 3 children.
There are multiple qualities that make an extraordinary leader. I will look at 5 of those qualities and put them in Bruce-eze.
- TRUST – When a fan walks into a Bruce show there is one thing that is absolute – and that is: we know and trust that Bruce will give every ounce he has to the performance. His expectation is that the E-Street Band will do the same…and…the fans will do the same. There is an unbreakable code of trust that we are all in the same place to rock, dance, forget whatever else is going on in our lives, and have a grand ol’ time.
- COMMUNICATION – Watching Bruce and the E-Street band on stage is like watching a mime speak. He nods his head and the band all seem to know exactly what he is saying. It is as if they have their own language. It’s amazing to watch. The same communication happens with his fans. Bruce puts out the microphone and we sing. Bruce puts up his hand for silence, and we are quiet. Bruce is not afraid to express his opinion. Just read The Rolling Stone article in the March 2012 issue. He communicates clearly, is very open and heartfelt (especially about losing his band mate and friend Clarence Clemons) and has a backbone. Not everything he says is popular, and he still has the guts to speak his mind.
- VISION – Bruce has known since an early age that he wanted to play music and he has never wavered. He has said in interviews that he couldn’t do anything else. His vision incorporates being true to himself, speaking his mind, loving what he does, surrounding himself with a strong community and not compromising.
- INSPIRING – The man oozes inspiration. He loves what he does. It is contagious. When you are at a Bruce concert you are in for the treat of a lifetime. It is part rock concert, part community rally, part spiritual awakening…dance-fever, party, sing-along and just a damn happy crowd of people!! I always walk away wanting to be certain I am listening to my “soul” and living my life to the fullest.
- LEAVING A LEGACY – I think all of the above sums up Leaving a Legacy clearly. And if that is not enough to substantiate Bruce’s legacy, The University of Southern Indiana is again partnering with Monmouth University and Penn State Altoona to offer the 2012 “Glory Days: A Bruce Springsteen Symposium ,” devoted to the life, work, and influence of Bruce Springsteen.
What a lesson in extraordinary leadership – be true to who you are, love what you do, build a community of people with similar values, speak your mind and never compromise. It’s time to form our own E-Street Band…
Till next time,
Karen
