True Leaders are Rock Stars

True Leaders are Rock Stars.

For as long as I could remember, I’ve heard talented individuals referred to as “rock stars.”?I never understood exactly why.?But since I mostly heard this in the context of the IT world, I figured it had some connection with them subliminally being music junkies (I say that with the highest reverence, really) and possibly having an affinity for listening to the Rock-n-Roll music genre.?But this past weekend I was blown away by watching the performance of the legendary band The Eagles, and witnessing what makes rock stars really rock stars.

First let me say, what an amazing performance that was.?I had always admired their music, ever since I laid a first listen to their iconic song Hotel California, but way beyond that.?The combination of different sounds they gelled over multiple decades floored me.?The ability to actually make out the rhythm and the lyrics all together was refreshing.?But what impressed me more than anything, was the amount of talent across all 5 artists on stage- the diversity and the integration of this talent to make a profound musical genius.?Bingo.?They were true rock stars.?I get that this is how good, scratch that, amazing bands play.?But at 74+ years old??Really? Still??That’s real talent.?And it’s pure, unadulterated Passion.

I had to do some research on the term rock star on the web, so I came across this first definition,

“Being a rock star implies that?someone has some loyal fans. In other words, it takes a group of people rooting you on and supporting whatever you do. It doesn't have to be a large audience; it can simply be a loved one or some co-workers.”?

?Well that’s certainly true for this band, with thousands in the stands at the Bellmont arena.?And then there’s this other definition, (hold on to this definition in your mind, we’ll get back to this one):

“A rockstar is an employee that showcases the combination of several traits: a strong sense of ownership, a hunger to succeed, exceptional technical skills, relevant experience, the ability and willingness to learn fast and an amazing attitude.”

Among the many things I saw on stage, was the cohesion of the band members as they alternated turns in the spotlight, performing musical solos as well as singing in songs.?It was really refreshing to see this being an interchange of artistry, not just one singer taking the entire spotlight for the whole concert.?In fact, Don Henley, as the leader, was the humblest of them all, introducing individual band members and sharing anecdotal comments/stories here and there, and mostly fading into the background to play the drums for the majority of the time.?It was refreshing to see how he gave the spotlight away to each and every member of the band, showing true respect for their talent and contribution, and more than that- loyalty.?It didn’t mean he didn’t have talent, or that he wasn’t worthy of praise as their leader, it just meant he was part of the team and proud of the team.?Bravo Don Henley!?(an amazing vocalist as well, by the way.)?It was very obvious to see that the band really trusted each other- they knew what each of them was supposed to do, how to do it, and they did it well.?And in that inherent trust on stage, was the delivery of musical masterpiece…no doubt no less amazing than how it sounded 40-50 years ago.

What I found out on the web about the historical reference on rock star being used as a term was something quite amusing, so I’m sharing this too…

?“Once, a long time ago, a rock star was a free-spirited, convention-flouting artist/rebel/hero/Dionysian fertility god who fronted a world-famous band, sold millions of records and headlined stadium concerts where people were trampled in frenzies of cultlike fervor. Someone who smashed guitars, trashed hotel rooms, developed Byzantine drug problems and tried to mask evidence of his infidelity with the strategically applied scent of breakfast burritos…..Now, 60 years, give or take, since the phrase came into existence, ‘‘rock star’’ has made a complete about-face. In its new incarnation, it is more likely to refer to a programmer, salesperson, social-media strategist, business-to-business telemarketer, recruiter, management consultant or celebrity pastry chef than to a person in a band. The term has become shorthand for a virtuosity so exalted it borders on genius” (https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/16/magazine/how-rock-star-became-a-business-buzzword.html)

Given this definition, I think it’s fair to say that we’ve heard this reference to individuals that are great performance, that stand out head and shoulders above the rest, but I’m here to say that true leaders are Rock Stars!?And by “true leaders”, I’m not referring to just those who have leadership titles, or those who have people reporting to them…I’m talking about people who lead and influence others, mostly towards good causes.?As I see it, true leaders have many of the same qualities that Rock Stars do.?They:

1)???Have a unique talent and develop this talent daily, always looking to refine their skill

2)???Are admired by a large following of people, naturally and deeply

3)???Share the limelight with everyone around them willingly

4)???Touch many hearts and lives over time, lifting them up

5)???Leave a legacy and are hard to forget

Similarly, to how Rock Stars refine their musical talents over time, learning multiple instruments, playing with sound octaves and volume, and alternating roles depending on the best talent suited for the individual occasion, so are true leaders.?True leaders are like music maestros, they know how to guide their team or following, when they need more from one area and less from another.?When to crescendo and when to decrescendo.?They give indicators when to start, and how to keep everyone working “together”, to make this beautiful symphony of work together, whatever the objective.?While they individually may hold many unique skills, they don’t aim to outshine everyone, but to bring them together behind an important cause.?To synergize.?And when they finally achieve greatness, as a team, they take a bow with the team, sharing the limelight together, with pride.?True leaders know their purpose, they display passion in all they do and believe in, they work patiently to develop others around them, and through all of this, they stay positive, believing that the fruits of their labor will germinate over time.?Lastly, true leaders take pride in the teams’ accomplishments- they revel in it in fact.?They are Rock Stars for giving it their best every day, fighting the right battles, championing the right causes, carrying others, and doing the hard work of inspiring others around them.?They “take it, to the limit” (as the Eagles have done, for 50 years!) one more time.?And the reason they are most successful is their ability to TRUST their team, their followers, and that alone inspires those who follow them to do amazing things.

Finally, I encourage those of you who have begun your leadership journey, have trampled through this journey, or have been nearing the end of this journey to stop for a minute and thank those who have lit your candle, those who have guided you through the way, and those who remain behind to watch you safely through your leadership journey.?They are true Rock Stars…and so are you!

Here's a little souvenir of a Rock Star band…having fun in their 70’s in the 20’s…when they started their journey in their 20’s in the 70’s!?(Pardon the nosebleed image capture fuzziness…but enjoy anyway.)