In The Space Between The Notes

Last night I experienced a Metallica concert for the second time in my life. This time on the big screen with the San Francisco Symphony for S&M2, a concert held in the round last month at the Chase Center. A four member heavy metal band, a 75 member orchestra, and 18,000 fans ("choir") from all over the world created music together for almost three hours. Twice this week the film is showing in theaters around the globe.

I can describe my overall experience as joyful and inspirational. So much so I felt compelled to write about it. Those who know me well know I'm wired to see both uniqueness and connectedness. The big picture and the details. Learning from and en-joying the journey. Last night, in the space between the notes, I observed humankind at it's best from several perspectives. Mutual support, respect and love for others, atypical collaboration, risk taking ... and joy. 

Mutual Support, Respect and Love for Others

The mutual respect, support and love for each other was palpable across the board. Metallica, the San Francisco Symphony and the fans. In the pre-concert interviews Metallica was verbally respectful and supportive of their classically trained counterparts. But it wasn't just lip service. I could feel and hear it in their voices. During the concert it was demonstrated through little things like smiles and winks, and fist bumps between Metallica and symphony members. And Metallica wore concert black which was not the case for S&M in 2000 (yes we noticed). For those who saw S&M2...we'll gladly support Kirk Hammett for wearing the black Hawaiian style shirt in the second set. :-)

Michael Tilson Thomas, the music director for the San Francisco Symphony, was highly respectful of what Metallica brings to the table, and visibly enthusiastic about the synergies between classical and heavy metal genres. When addressing the fans you can feel him honoring their love of heavy metal and Metallica, while stretching their minds into the classical.

Metallica routinely demonstrates recognition and love for their fans, and of all humankind through their Foundation. And the fans reciprocate in kind. Lars Ulrich's comments were heartfelt from the pre-concert intro asking us in the theater to enjoy the concert as if we were there, to his intermission thank you's and sincere recognition, especially of the fans who traveled from all over the world. 

Atypical Collaboration: Open Mind For A Different View

"Welcome to this wonderful adventure" James Hetfield told the fans. While Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony played this gig 20 years ago, they stated there was much more collaboration this time around and that was evident. A few pieces performed by the symphony alone, a solo by James Hetfield accompanied by the symphony - no guitar or band mates, and a classical piece with Metallica. 

While the song "Nothing Else Matters" was played second to last in the set list, the line "open mind for a different view" reverberated in my head the remainder of the evening. Creating what doesn't exist yet calls for a different level of collaboration, partnership and respect. When we commit to meeting each other in the space between respect for each other and love for those we serve...anything is possible. 

Risk Taking: I Adapt To The Unknown

With my awareness and senses heightened I found myself listening to all the lyrics through a different filter. "I adapt to the unknown" from "Where Ever I May Roam" was another line that stayed with me. The risks taken were numerous and I feel they all paid off. A few stand out for me:

Metallica was visibly out of their element during "The Unforgiven III" (James Hetfield solo with the San Francisco Symphony) and "Iron Foundry" (San Francisco Symphony with Metallica). This is the highest compliment, not a criticism. This is what growth looks like.

"Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)" a solo tribute to Metallica's beloved late bassist Cliff Burton was the stand out risk, even for James Hetfield. So much so he called it "one of the night's biggest risks" when introducing Scott Pingel, the principal base who performed the solo. Scott first took a risk pitching the idea to the band to pay tribute to Cliff, much less using Cliff's iconic "Anesthesia" solo as the basis of the arrangement. 

Joy: Headbanging In The Bass Section?

How do we measure joy? Yes, it's different for each person. We know what it looks and feels like for each of us. Smiling. Humming. Singing aloud. Foot tapping. Dancing. Fist pumps between the band and the symphony members. The conductor sitting in the middle of the stage soaking in the moment. And of course at a heavy metal concert - head banging. I'm certain I saw heads bobbing in the bass and drum sections. 

How do we get to joy? Living in the moment and seeing where it takes you. Creating something different and so new you're not sure how it will turn out. That bass solo? Rolling Stone called it a "show-stopping tribute" noting "fans have flooded the Internet with comments on how the performance moved them to tears". I found myself clapping several times during that solo. In a theater. 

We know the drill. There's countless books on leadership, managing performance, employee engagement and getting to excellence but the struggle with execution and change is still very real in the workplace. Maybe taking a lesson from the Arts will help... and none of this costs any money.

1. Do something different to get something different. 

2. Show respect, support and love for others. Be kind and civil. Every interaction. Quickly find common ground. 

3. Open mind for a different view. Dream and create things you never thought possible. Together.

4. Take the risk. Aim for the stars. Support and encourage each other through the change. Whatever is needed. The view from other side is incredible. 

5. Enjoy the ride! Every moment. 

Nothing Else Matters

#metallica #sfsymphony #employeeengagement #leadershipmatters #joyinwork #joyatwork #failforward #committedtoexcellence #perspective #bekind #love #respect #mutualsupport