Who Are You?: Rock N Roll Answers the Leadership Question

It’s March 1st! Happy Birthday to, the newly minted octogenarian yet forever young, Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who! His voice has been my trusted companion on countless drives to and from school and work for the past 40 years.

My introduction to The Who was a bit unexpected, courtesy of my guitar teacher. In my middle school years, my parents gifted me with a black Fender Stratocaster, a Peavey Bandit amplifier, and a handful of guitar lessons. When my teacher probed my musical preferences, I rattled off names like Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammett (Metallica), and George Lynch (Dokken). These names were lost on her. She was all about that Woodstock vibe, struggling to connect with my heavy metal leanings. She decided to broaden my musical horizons with Grand Funk Railroad's "I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)" and The Who's iconic track, "Pinball Wizard." Little did I know, that moment sparked a lifelong obsession with all things Who.

The fusion of The Who's name and their consistent exploration of self-awareness couldn't be more fitting. With each song, they delve into the depths of human existence, delivering raw and introspective truths. From "Who Are You" to "Behind Blue Eyes," their music resonates with listeners on a deeper spiritual plane, inviting anyone to reflect on their own identities and experiences - themes that parallel the journey of effective leadership. If we take Keith Moon, the original and virtuoso drummer of The Who, as an example, leadership can emerge from anywhere, not just from those in front, like Roger, but also from the back of the stage. Here are a few Who songs that reflect qualities essential to good leadership, such as resilience, vision, empathy, inspiration, authenticity, integrity, and sacrifice.

Baba O’Riley - Resilience and Perseverance

One of the hallmarks of a great leader is resilience—the capacity to withstand challenges and bounce back stronger. The Who’s anthem "Baba O'Riley," with its famous opening line, "Out here in the fields, I fight for my meals," speaks to the grit and determination required not only to survive but to thrive. Leaders, like the protagonist in the song, often face metaphorical battles, requiring resilience to navigate through adversity.

Won’t Get Fooled Again - Vision and Innovation

Leadership is also about having a vision and the innovation to realize it. "Won't Get Fooled Again" reflects the desire for change and the skepticism of repeating past mistakes. The line, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss," serves as a caution against stagnation and the importance of genuine innovation. Leaders must strive for transformative changes, not just superficial shifts, embodying the song’s call for a deeper, more meaningful progression.

Behind Blue Eyes - Empathy and Understanding

Empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership. "Behind Blue Eyes" provides a poignant perspective on vulnerability and the complexity of human emotions. The lyrics, "No one knows what it's like to be the hated, to be fated to telling only lies," remind leaders of the importance of understanding the struggles and perspectives of others. This song encourages leaders to look beyond the surface, fostering a culture of empathy and inclusivity.

My Generation - Inspiration and Change

Good leadership embodies the ability to inspire and enact change. "My Generation," with its defiant tone and call for recognition, encapsulates the spirit of challenging the status quo. The refrain, "Hope I die before I get old," is not a literal wish but a metaphor for the desire to remain vibrant, questioning, and transformative. Leaders should inspire their teams to embrace change, challenge norms, and continuously evolve.

The Real Me - Authenticity and Self-awareness

"The Real Me," from the rock opera "Quadrophenia," delves into the quest for identity and the struggle to show one's true self. The lyrics, "Can you see the real me, can ya, can ya?" highlight the journey toward authenticity—a critical leadership quality. Leaders must not only be true to themselves but also transparent with those they lead, fostering trust and genuine connections. The song encourages leaders to embrace their vulnerabilities, allowing their "real me" to guide their leadership approach.

Who Are You - Integrity and Accountability

"Who Are You," one of The Who's most recognized songs, questions the essence of identity and the confrontations with one’s past and future selves. With its famous chorus, "Who are you? I really wanna know," it serves as a reminder for leaders to constantly reflect on their values and the impact of their actions. The narrative of personal reckoning in the song underscores the importance of integrity and accountability in leadership. It's a call for leaders to consistently evaluate their purpose and ensure their actions align with their core values.

Bargain - Sacrifice and Commitment

"Bargain" presents a nuanced view of love and sacrifice, which can be extended to the realm of leadership. The lines, "I’d gladly lose me to find you" and "I’d call that a bargain, the best I ever had," reflect the depth of commitment and the willingness to make sacrifices for a greater good. In leadership, this translates to the dedication to one's team or cause, often requiring personal sacrifices for the collective benefit. Leaders, much like the protagonist in "Bargain," must sometimes give up their own comfort, time, or priorities to support and elevate those around them.

The Who’s lyrics serve as a powerful metaphor for leadership qualities. Through their music, they articulate the essence of resilience, vision, empathy, inspiration, authenticity, integrity, and sacrifice. These songs are not just anthems of a generation but timeless narratives that offer insights into the human condition and the qualities that define effective leadership. Beyond Roger Daltrey and The Who’s contribution to Rock And Roll, we can also uncover the deeper messages within their lyrics—messages that continue to inspire and guide leaders across all walks and stages of life.

Everyone grows old. Keep young in Spirit.

Post Script

Today marks the 30th anniversary of Nirvana's last performance on March 1, 1994, in Munich. Surprisingly, they didn't play their smash, genre defining, hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit" during that show. Sadly, the music world would lose Kurt Cobain just a month later. His untimely passing left many feeling the stark contrast to the famous chorus of The Who's song: "I hope I die before I grow old." Rest in peace, Kurt Cobain.