When Art Gives Profound Professional Wisdom

I recently rewatched Beyoncé's Renaissance film, the visual accompaniment to her 2022 album. I remember when I first saw this film in theaters how I left in awe and wanting to call all my friends who had ever been granted the title of Project Manager on a large scale program in their career.

When I think of all the training taken, all the manuals read and all the certifications earned, none reaches the level of storyteller-style wisdom witnessed and woven from the lessons shared by one of the world's most famous performers....Beyoncé.

Now, I know there are countless college courses created and curated on the Economics and Influence of Beyoncé, but I am still wondering who is seizing the opportunity to teach the lessons of project management brought to us by Beyoncé.

Spending the 2 hours and 48 minutes with one of the most famous brands in the world is an experience that transcends the barrier between art and work. And in a world that is increasingly losing the humanity of work to automation and AI-powered agents, a human-centered curriculum in the form of film lends so many lessons on leadership.

Whether or not every beat found its way to your heart by way of your eardrum, the artistic merit and leadership captured on screen serves as a compelling case study in the most effective kind of project management. So, while on the surface this seems to be a documentarian's celebration of music and dance, to the trained viewer's eye the film showcases the core tenets of successful project execution, from strategic planning and meticulous organization to collaborative dynamics and adaptable leadership.

When I first saw the film on the big screen, I felt I must have been the only one in the theater that was seeing it through the lens of something we all have long wished for - impeccable project management. And in my second viewing, I found myself analyzing the film and its production through this lens of what so many companies seek and so rarely find. The unicorn of near perfect project management capability compounded with compelling leadership and powerful persona.

I have long felt there is a lot we can learn from artists, especially those that believe in the power of their craft while staying close to the details that bring art to life for millions of their fellow humans. CEO of AirBnB, Brian Chesky, recently shared on the Decoder podcast his core belief in the importance of sustaining what he calls "Founders Mode."

Some might say that artists and performers were the Founders before the world knew about Founders Mode. The mode that technology CEOs aspire to take on is something artists have been perfecting since their first tours. They were each the Chief Product Officer before we ever had such a title, because...well, they were the product. From Garth to Taylor to Bon Jovi to Beyoncé, the craft and art of project management is showcased every night from all parts of the world for all the world to see.

These are human beings, leaders and managers that work the plan, and don't just plan the work. And they do it while also leading large organizations, employing countless hundreds, feeding families and also writing songs that move the world. And so while many of us are looking for that next LinkedIn Learning or Coursera course to brush up our skills, we may have the best form of learning right before our eyes, or playing for our ears to enjoy.

No worries, there are no spoilers in this article but just a few key takeaways from Renaissance The first being that it is absolutely paramount to not only have the capability for meticulous planning, but also a clearly defined vision upon which to stand for every night. As a performer and Project Manager, these artists have to know what right looks like for each element to make an experience.

This can range from the intricate choreography to the avant-garde costumes and high powered light show. No decision or detail is too small for these world class project managers to stay close to. Especially if it is a decision that must be deliberate and purposeful, reflecting a comprehensive brand and the creation of a core memory. That is the OG Founders Mode.

This precision mirrors the very same need and expectation for Project Managers to establish clear objectives, meticulously define deliverables, and develop robust timelines. Just as Beyoncé and her team evidently orchestrated each component of the film with intentionality, effective project management necessitates a thorough understanding of project requirements and potential risks to ensure successful outcomes for lasting transformation.

At its heart, Renaissance underscores the value of effective communication and collaborative synergy. The film's success is contingent upon the seamless interplay between Beyoncé, her dancers, the creative team, and a multitude of contributors. We might say stakeholders. This collaborative spirit resonates strongly within the realm of the project management necessary to pull off a world tour. And open communication channels, active listening, and constructive feedback stand out as essential for team cohesion and productivity, and certainly performance.

Beyoncé's leadership style, characterized by inspired vision, clear direction and individual empowerment, fosters a collaborative environment where each team member feels valued and contributes optimally and holistically. This is the flow that teams wish they could achieve and only comes when everyone has put in the hard work while bringing the leader's vision to life.

Renaissance as a film also highlights the increasingly critical role of adaptability and resilience in navigating project challenges. And when we think about how this feat was pulled off, we don't have to look far to remember the obstacles. The films production encountered numerous unforeseen obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This demanded a unique level of equanimity and flexibility along with creative problem-solving. That same balance brings us the best of Beyoncé today.

This adaptability is the hallmark of successful project management, where unforeseen circumstances and evolving requirements demand a dynamic and discerning approach. To be able to pivot and proceed is essential in today's markets. And anyone who has taken in a performance by an artist at this caliber knows how often those pivots make things possible and memorable all at once.

Mirroring Beyoncés ability to navigate these challenges with determination and resourcefulness, effective Project Managers must possess the courage and capacity to adjust plans, reallocate resources, and maintain project momentum amidst adversity and sustained vision. After all, as my friend Carson V. Heady reminds us in his new Best Selling Book, "The Show Must Go On."

Renaissance as as film and performance piece encourages us to seek inspiration and lessons from heartbreak, barriers and breaking boundaries. And it is in the illumination of the meticulous attention to detail set against timeless exploration of creative boundaries that we celebrate the individual expression of leadership infused with our work.

So next time you are charged with the mantle of innovation and inspiration, perhaps put on that album and film accompaniment to draw upon the wells of inspiration and craft. Unleashing Creativity for All is something I care deeply about. And many artists do too. The challenge remains for Project Managers, so if they can allow themselves to unleash their profound creativity while also managing project and programs, they may see outpaced results.

Perhaps it is time for a renewal and rebirth when it comes to how we understand and revere project management as a craft. Films and art pieces like Renaissance serve as a compelling demonstration of how strategic vision, meticulous planning, collaborative execution, and adaptive leadership converge to achieve record-breaking success and make countless memories.

Beyoncé continues to deliver to us all groundbreaking visual and auditory experiences while also serving as an exemplary project manager for her arena. And it is in the many arenas and stadiums and screens where we can see the dutiful dance that makes it all possible. Operational Excellence doesn't just win awards at conferences, it also wins awards for once in a generation performances and political moments that move the world with a song.

So, what do you say? Shall we further explore the art and performance of project management beyond the playbook and and book of knowledge? Maybe the Masterclass that is Renaissance stands ready to offer a pathway to even more project managers seeking inspiration, efficiency and successful outcomes.

What artistic pieces and performances do you draw from when remembering the key tenets of leading people, process and technology?