The Boss Shows the Way

Watching and learning. As I watched, some short but obvious principles of leadership kept running through my mind.

-- Once you get to a point where people call you The Boss, you've developed experience in many skills and situations. Rely on those skills.

-- Similarly, there are likely many around you that also have vast experience and accomplishments, rely on them as well.

-- And yet add youth, or new talent, often so that the overall ensemble remains fresh and willing to consider the new not just the old.

-- Do not lose sight of the importance of family. Whenever possible, honor the families that are part of the success.

-- While you are leading with your strengths and experiences, do not hesitate to try new things, new ways of accomplishing your mission.

-- When you know you are right, do not listen to the critics. Stay true to your gut and confidence.

-- Find opportunities for others to take the lead. When they do, step back and let them be clearly out in front. But also take care to not completely relinquish your role.

-- Honor those who contribute to your success including your competitors and your customers.

-- Remember that outworking others can be as important as outsmarting. While your talent may be an obvious part of your past success, your continued desire to outwork the competition is key to your future success.

-- Give the public what they want but also teach them and lead them to new approaches.

The concert Saturday night in Pittsburgh was fantastic. The Boss continues to lead. Sixty six years old and he never left the stage during the three hour and twenty minute concert. The entire E Street Band accompanied him, absent those that had passed away, yet a couple of new musicians were present as well. Jake Clemons, son of Clarence, filled in on sax and percussion. While much of the setlist centered on one album from 1980 (The River), the Boss also played many of his standards, along with some newer songs in his catalog that are important to him.

"Yeah we know that come tomorrow, none of this will be here. So hold tight to your anger and don't fall to your fears."