(Fab) Four Lessons in Leadership

Back in 1991, Edward Rothstein of the New York Times had this to say about a recently-premiered classical composition at Carnegie Hall. “… the dominant style is of a euphonically tonal pop ballad: the musical texture is very thin, the counterpoint elementary and many settings awkward. This music … is incapable of handling contradictory tensions or expressing intricacy of character.” Now, I’m no expert in music. But it sure seems to me that this is a bad review. And who was the composer of such music that drew Mr. Rothstein’s disdain? Why, none other than Sir Paul McCartney. Joined by Bob Dylan and his writing partner John Lennon as perhaps one of the most influential writers of popular music in the latter half of the 20th century.

As this most recent school-year was wrapping up I was reminded once again of the ubiquity of the music that The Beatles produced. At a year-end recital my son sang (with gusto) a pre-K version of “Yellow Submarine.” Of course this was not his first exposure to The Beatles as I’ve been a fan since I was his age (did I have multiple Beatles posters on my walls in college? Of course I did.) Most of my aunts and uncles came of age during the rise of Beatlemania, and passed along a deep and abiding love for The Beatles and their music. In fact one particular aunt wore a heart-shaped locket with Paul McCartney’s picture in it for years. And by years I mean well into adulthood, marriage, and kids. She hung in there through the Wings period and during the Michael Jackson partnership. That’s dedication.

And so, you do not need me to tell you that The Beatles are one of the most significant and astounding phenomena of the last century. I am also not, in any sort of official capacity, a Beatles historian. I’m simply an individual like countless millions who have enjoyed their music for my entire time on the planet and am astounded by their cultural impact. And, as an individual interested in helping others become great leaders, the Rothstein review mentioned previously got me thinking about what from The Beatles’ experience could translate to the rest of us. And so what follows are four lessons in leadership that you can apply from the example of the Fab Four.

Lesson 1: Think Different … In the Right Context

The New York Times review of Paul McCartney’s Oratorio was, as you read, not great. While jarring to think that Paul McCartney could ever have his music so panned, it should not come as a surprise. McCartney is not a classically-trained musician. And, while that lack of training did not help Sir Paul win over the classical crowd, it is possible that his unique perspective on music was an enabler of his talent as a composer of popular music. Here’s what The Beatles’ long-time producer, and classically-trained musician, Sir George Martin had to say about Paul's background:

I think that if Paul, for instance, had learned music ‘properly’ – not just the piano, but correct notation for writing and reading music, all the harmony and counterpoint that I had to go through, and techniques and orchestration – it might well have inhibited him … Once you start being taught things, your mind is channeled in a particular way. Paul didn’t have that channeling, so he had freedom, and could think of things I would’ve considered outrageous. I could admire them, but my musical training would have prevented me from thinking of them myself.

McCartney brought his unique perspective on music to a context, popular music, which was ripe for exploring that perspective. The result was breathtaking, as McCartney was determined to make music nobody had heard before and was operating in a context in which that freedom to explore could be granted. What can you apply from this lesson as a leader? First, be bold in applying your own unique perspective. Do not be intimidated by what you do not know, apply what you do know in a different context. Second, give credence to the perspectives that are not as “classically-trained” as your own. It is possible that, in your current role, you more resemble George Martin than Paul McCartney – classically trained in your discipline. Make room for the outside perspective. When combined with your technical expertise, the results can be magical.

Lesson 2: Evolve

For much of their early years, The Beatles were essentially a cover band with very obvious affinity for the Motown sound of Detroit, traditional rhythm and blues, and even country music. Much of the British Invasion was built upon these three musical legs, and early in their careers The Beatles were much like any other British band of the time – importing and repackaging American music and sending it back over the pond. Their early song-writing was very clearly derivative of these influences, for example take a listen to The Beatles’ “This Boy” – a song that could’ve easily be written at Hitsville USA.

While the group found fame and popularity mining this vein of derivative music, over the subsequent years The Beatles began pushing the envelope of popular music. In fact, it is somewhat hard to fathom that the same individuals who crafted standard (yet very good) pop songs such as “I want to Hold Your Hand” could be the same that wrote “Rocky Raccoon”. I remember early in my career working with a computer programmer with a colorful past; at one point he had lived in the same commune as Neil Young and, for a time, was Joan Baez’ handyman. In other words, legit ‘60s chops on this guy. When discussing the music of the era one afternoon he said, “You guys will never know what it was like to listen to Sgt. Pepper’s for the first time. You guys like it, but for those of us who lived in that era pulling that record out and putting it on the turntable for the first time altered our reality.” The Beatles were not content to be a successful, derivative band. They chose to evolve.

How can you apply this lesson of evolution to your role as a leader? Commit to risk-taking, to not remaining comfortable with what you’ve always done. My organization is currently in the middle of a pilot project around employee engagement that is completely unlike anything that is being done in the market today. Will it work? Maybe. I hope so. But the first and hardest step was deciding to not be content with the status quo. As a leader, you are often the one who determines whether or not “how we’ve always done it” is an acceptable answer. Push your organization to evolve.

Lesson 3: Collaborate

While The Beatles most definitely evolved over time, they were not shy about learning from and partnering with others who were doing great work. The list of such collaborations is long; but includes George Harrison’s work with Ravi Shankar and his partnership with Eric Clapton, the influence of talented producers such as Alan Parsons and musicians such as Billy Preston. And, of course, “All You Need is Love” included Clapton as well as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Keith Moon, and Graham Nash. Not a bad collection of 1960’s talent. (We already know about the collaborations with Yoko Ono, best not go there.) The Beatles were also inspired by the great work occurring around them, with Paul and John citing Harry Nilsson as both their favorite artist and band. The friendly rivalry between The Beatles and Brian Wilson is well noted, with Rubber Soul influencing Brian Wilson to write Pet Sounds, which in turn spurred The Beatles’ Revolver and Sgt. Pepper. 

For you as a leader, this means taking purposeful time to learn from and work with others who are doing great things. As a leader it is easy to become insulated by the pressures of the role, the tyrannies of urgent tasks that constantly pile up. To learn what is happening outside of your world will require effort and attention. This means getting away from your office, away from your normal context, and adopting a curious posture as you interact with others. How are others solving problems that you face? What’s the best decision that they’ve made in the last 12 months, or the biggest challenge they’ve faced? Find ways to put yourself in environments where everyone around you doesn’t already know what you know. You’ll be amazed at what you learn.

Lesson 4: Share the Glory

While The Beatles were famed for not always agreeing with one another, they were keen to ensure that all members of the band had an opportunity to shine. As teenagers, John and Paul made the decision that any song written by one of them would be credited to both, an agreement that was maintained for as long as the band lasted. While some would argue that George deserved more opportunity for his songs to appear on Beatles albums, there’s little question that his contributions were among the most significant and singularly beautiful. And, as my son learned this year, The Beatles always ensured that Ringo had great songs to sing despite not being a particularly strong singer.

When you excel as a leader praise and opportunity inevitably comes. It is a natural human tendency to bask in the limelight for a moment or two. Great leaders know to cede that limelight as soon as possible and, better yet pull others who contributed in any way to the celebrated success into that light. Deflect as much credit as you can and share as many wins as possible. The good will you will build up is incalculable, and others will note the common theme of your involvement in others’ success.

Do you need to grow a moptop or wear a shiny satin quasi-military jacket  to be a successful leader? Of course not. Nor do you need to be any kind of musician or music lover. But, you can learn from the world’s most successful band a few important lessons in leadership. And with a love like that, you know you should be glad. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.