I am not a Bruce Springsteen fan, but I just finished reading his autobiography and loved it.
Whether or not you are a fan of The Boss, I think we can all agree that he is an American icon, storyteller and poet.
(Side note: if you need a quick 530 page read, I recommend it).
Early on, Springsteen was part of a band that broke up over creative differences and tension. When he started his E Street Band, he was very clear that he was the Boss, this was HIS band and everyone knew where they stood. He attributes it to their 44 year long stint together.
I’m going to die on this hill: people want/need/crave clarity. Clarity of direction, clarity of leadership, clarity of purpose.
I’m of the opinion that most people would prefer dealing with a strong authoritarian leader than a feckless weakling whose direction changes with the wind.
In the nonprofit world, I often see leaders who confuse collaboration and consensus with effective leadership.
I believe that collaboration, consensus and communication are important.
I also think that the job of a leader is to drive clarity, even when it means pissing people off sometimes.
A clear decision (even if it’s wrong) beats hemming and hawing every time.
I recently looked over a strategic plan that had everything and the kitchen sink in it.
If you are trying to do all the things, you’re doing nothing. If your decisions don’t foreclose on some options, then you haven’t made a decision. And not making a decision is also a decision.
We are social animals and we ultimately want to know who’s in charge, where are we going, why are we going there and how?
If everything is clear, then I can make a decision about whether I’m in the band or not. But, without clarity, is this a punk band, a rock band, an R&B band?
To make beautiful music, you have to be The Boss.
