What live music can teach us about leadership

Something amazing happened recently. I went to a gig to see live music for the first time in nearly 2 years. And this time I took my new gig buddy to her first ever concert: Gracie, my 14 year old daughter. We went to see a Blur and Pulp tribute band at the legendary Leadmill in Sheffield. And yes, Gracie knew all the words to just about every song. It was great to see all the people, so many people, out supporting the decimated live music scene. Afterwards, I was reflecting on what this experience can teach event leaders.

1. Take the best of what you see in others, but always be your authentic self.

As I said, we actually saw a tribute band, not the real thing. Blur 2' came on first and played a really good set. The lead singer had all of Damon Albarn's cockney swagger and did a brilliant Song 2, too. Woohoo.

Then came 'Pulp'd' and... it was the same musicians! We joked that it would be funny if the same lead singer came out in a Jarvis Cocker wig and glasses. And that's what he did! This time he had a Sheffield accent and all the Jarvis moves. And yet, you could tell it was uniquely him (Ben) and his talent. 

As leaders, we observe others in action and take the best of what we see in them (and avoid the worst). From this unique mixture comes our leadership style. Through social media (and to some extent in the virtual world) you can fake your leadership style – give the impression you want to. 

But you can’t fake it live, in person. They see the real you – and it’s incredibly powerful.

2. Appreciate you're nothing without your team.

Ben/Damon/Jarvis very affectionately introduced the band: Little Dave, Big Sean, Matt & Damo, and frequently they took centre stage. It was clear who the lead singer was, but everyone played their part in the experience. If one band member was missing, the whole thing would have fallen flat. If there was no band, it would have been a rubbish evening watching some bloke do karaoke!

3. Be personal.

To introduce 'Babies' (a song by Pulp), he explained that Little Dave had an 11 day old baby of which they were all very excited and proud. There was genuine affection amongst the band and the audience at the thought of a ‘Little Little Dave.’ He also sang directly to my daughter a few times (she was right at the front), which made her feel ultra cool. 

Treating individuals as, erm, individuals, is crucial to getting the best out of people.

4. Be humble and show gratitude.

Ben/Jarvis led us all in a huge round of applause in appreciation for the bar staff, security staff and engineers. And for us common people. Without whom, the gig wouldn’t have happened. It was an emotional moment and very powerful to experience live – there was definitely renewed energy in the room after that. 

It was an amazing night (I'd not seen Pulp since a Thursday years ago). It was also nice to be told by 4 people, independently, that I was the coolest dad ever for taking my young daughter to the gig.

Although, my highlight was walking back to the car. I asked Gracie if she'd had a good time and she just smiled and held my hand.