What businesses can learn from The Beatles

Thanks to my father, I have been a Beatles fan since I was 8.

I still remember the first time I listened to “1”.

The album had a yellow number one on a red background.

I can picture myself opening the package and putting the CD on the record player at my Grandma’s.

Back then, on Tuesdays and Thursdays my primary school was finishing at 4pm.

Those afternoons were typically spent doing homework, drawing and playing with Lego, while listening to music on my Dad’s record player at my Grandma’s.

“1” featured 27 Beatles songs that went #1 either in UK or the US charts.

At that time I did not fully grasp the magnitude of a band producing so many number #1 hits. I just really loved the music and the melodies, a lot.

Over the years, my relationship with The Beatles has evolved significantly.

I have immersed myself in their music, delved into their history, played their songs (with limited success), and even formed a band with my closest friends, all inspired by them.

Their music has been a constant companion throughout my life and will continue to be.

With deep knowledge and countless hours (thousands) spent on The Beatles, once I began working and delving into leadership and management, to my surprise, I discovered valuable lessons from The Beatles. Learnings that could still inspire entrepreneurs and corporate professionals today.

I’d like to share a few here:

?? Work your tail off

Especially in their early years, the Beatles exhibited an incredible work ethic, perhaps unmatched in the music industry.

From long nights in Hamburg (‘60-‘62), where they played 5+ hours every day, to recording over 200 songs from 1962 to 1970, while touring internationally and performing live more than 1,200 times.

The hard work you put on the early days will reap the benefits in the long run: it builds discipline, determination and grit – traits that will always exceed talent.?

?? You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great

Paul McCartney exemplifies this wonderfully in Peter Jackson's "The Beatles: Get Back" documentary series.

The boys were really tight on a deadline, pressured to create new songs for an upcoming album.

In this particular scene you see McCartney demonstrating that greatness can emerge from simply starting doing what you need to do (I talk about this scene in this post ).

Something will materialise when you just sit down and start doing, instead of complaining.

The first draft might not be a good one.

The first draft will surely not be a good one.

But at least you will have something you can build upon.

The key is to begin.

???? Don’t be afraid to experiment to innovate

The Beatles were passionate about exploring the work of fellow musicians, soaking up a diverse array of influences from both the past and their contemporaries.

Inspiration came not only from the music world, but also from real-world events (e.g. news, politics, tax, fashion, civil rights, religion, spirituality).

Through continuous experimentation and frequent reinvention, they harnessed the freedom to draw inspiration from their surroundings, transforming their musical identity multiple times.

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Similarly, businesses should broaden their horizons by looking beyond their own industry for innovative ideas and strategies to thrive and adapt.

Often, a solution successfully implemented by one company within a specific industry can serve as a valuable template for addressing challenges faced by other companies in entirely different sectors.

Be curious and do not be afraid to experiment.?

?? ?? Teamwork makes the dreamwork

All decisions in the group had to be unanimous.?In this way every member felt validated and valued.

Think about their stage formation:

Ringo was at the back, but he was always on a riser.

Everyone was given equal visibility.

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Now, this might not be possible in business settings, but the essence of teamwork is no less paramount.

?Consider the stage formation analogy: while the dynamics of business may not always allow for literal equal visibility, it exemplifies the profound impact each individual has within a team.

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In business settings, the emphasis should be on fostering an environment where every team member's voice is heard, where decisions are made collectively, and where each person feels validated and valued for their contributions.

Incorporating these lessons from The Beatles into your business journey can help you navigate challenges, foster creativity, and work collaboratively towards success.

Even the most legendary achievements start with a single step, and a lot of hard work.

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