Bluegrass Rules

Last night I attended a live performance by bluegrass music’s premier band, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder at a local theater. It was a much-anticipated event even though I have seen the group perform several other times. If you are not a fan of this music genre I hope you will still enjoy some of my observations about leadership and teamwork gleaned from the show.

Bluegrass instruments are among the most difficult to master, at least it appears that way to this non-musician. The acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, and stand-up bass are all stringed instruments that require nimble fingers and precise rhythms to play them well. The music itself is often performed at frenetic speeds and the artists must somehow stay focused on their part while blending with the other players to produce the harmonies that make bluegrass sound so special. Members of this band are exceptional musicians and they mastered their instruments effortlessly.

The lessons I learned at the concert begin with this mastery of their craft. Most of us are unwilling to work hard enough at our God-given talents to fully develop them so we fail to perform at a consistently high level. Each time I am fortunate enough to see Kentucky Thunder perform it seems like their ability to play is even better than any previous show. Do you know what your talents are? Can you perform them at optimal levels every day? Do those you serve notice that your mastery is improving?

Ricky Skaggs is a musical prodigy having begun his career at age five. He is also an exceptional leader as evidenced by his on-stage behavior. While he is obviously the star of the band his demeanor models servant leadership. He is generous with his praise for the band, frequently ending a particularly well-played song with a sincere “great job, fellas.” He smiles and nods in affirmation when a band member contributes their solo part to an instrumental piece. Throughout the show he jokes and laughs with them creating a relaxed atmosphere that maximizes their efforts. Leaders would do well to follow his lead in treating their employees and colleagues with similar respect and praise.

Musicians must anticipate the unexpected and adjust quickly so the audience doesn’t notice any change in the music. To my untrained ears the performance last night was nearly perfect and I didn’t see anyone missing an assignment or encountering an obstacle, like a broken string. Beyond the occasional pause so they could tune their instruments it all seemed to go exceptionally well. Isn’t that how every customer and client should feel about our performance? The occasional glitches, if anticipated and overcome quickly, may also go unnoticed. Even when we “break a string” it might still be possible to deliver service that is “music to our customers’ ears.”

I secretly envy anyone who can play music because I love the feeling that accompanies a stellar performance. There is something special about beautiful harmonies, tender lyrics, and mastery of a difficult instrument combining to lift one’s spirit. Perhaps effective leaders can also perform well enough to inspire the souls of those we serve. Even though I can’t pick a mandolin I hope my efforts at leadership mastery touch the hearts of my clients and friends. Perhaps I might even warrant a curtain call.