4 Tips on Strong Teams (& Bands) from Ken & Drew of Sister Hazel

I love a good surprise.?

Two weeks ago, my wife, Amy Whitaker , was at a community event and thought it had ended when out came Ken & Drew of Sister Hazel to play a set! Despite having heard them often (she’d say “because of” instead of "despite"), she ran to the front and sent me this picture.

I thought back to a discussion I had with the two of them not too long ago where we touched on a variety of topics, including how they’d successfully maintained the band over thirty years — quite an exercise in team building and nurturing relationships.

Here are four concepts, along with video of our discussion below:

1. Maintain Perspective. Drew has learned to ask himself if he really cares as much about an issue as someone else does. And if he does, if that will still be true in 8 minutes…let alone 8 months.
2. Stay Humble. It can be tough on our ego to bring in a great idea, have it go through modifications…and end up better. Ken has learned to embrace the process, not cling to “his idea” too tightly — and be grateful when it ends up much better.?
3. Input matters. As Ken said, “Nobody joins a band (or team) to always be told what to do.” As people put their own ideas out there, it allows them to feel ownership over the output and strengthens bonds.
4. Give grace. People don’t always bring their best selves to the team every day. Distractions, problems at home, and Drew notes the band is a safe space. They’ve built up trust and each knows they can have a bad day without long-term ramifications.

In an industry where bands seem to constantly be reforming or dissolving altogether, Sister Hazel has made it work for three decades. Check them out on tour in a city near you! (And send me your pics when you run to the front!)

And have a great day!

~ Nathan