Business Management, Just Because

The Boss

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Roy A. Ackerman

Let me start out by saying that I am not a fan of Bruce Springsteen. That does not mean I don’t like a few of his songs; it just means I rarely listen to him. (I’m an NPR devotee, with jazz as my primary music, when not listening to news).

Bruce Springsteen was to be giving a concert at Citizen’s Bank Park. You know, the home of my beloved Phillies. And, as a season’s ticket holder (yes, I drive from Virginia to Philly so I can enjoy the games in person), I was offered “first dibs” on tickets to the Labor Day Springsteen concerts. So, I bought four tickets. I thought I could go with my daughter and her husband. But, after I got the tickets, she said she would pass. Then, I thought of my buddy, who was dating someone (this was in May, not September)…

You guessed it. They broke up in July… So, now I had four tickets, no real desire to go, and four tickets. Oh, wait… I said that already. So, I went to StubHub to sell them. What else would you do?

Well…My SO informed me that she WANTED to see Bruce. How dare I sell the tickets? What did I do? You guessed it– they were no longer for sale.

We went. Yes, I drove to Philly on Labor Day. (My children still cannot believe I drove in holiday traffic.) We had a wonderful dinner (not)– but the company was grand. (I went with a business associate and his wife.) OK, by now you’re wondering-  why am I writing this post?

Because Bruce Springsteen provided me with one of the best concerts I have ever attended. No, I did not know the songs. OK, I could recollect maybe three of them. But, Bruce – and his outstanding band and backup singers- gave it all to us. Really.

Bruce tried to engage every one of the 40,000 folks in that stadium. OK, he started late- well beyond “fashionably late”. Not at the 7:30 time on the ticket- but at 8:18. But, he finished at 11: 49. WITHOUT ONE BREAK. Non-stop music, except for the interlude when he took his boots off and shook out the water that had collected in them.

Bruce Springsteen in Philly

He didn’t stay on the stage. He walked around- shook hands (while singing), shared his guitar (can you believe that?), danced with his fans, walked among them (to the chagrin of security), and converted every attendee into a fan- at least for that night.

Bruce also presented a musical tribute to Clarence Clemons. The superb saxophonist that we recall as part of the iconic sound of the E Street Band that was part of Bruce Springsteen’s music. Touching. Not kitchy. And, I was honored to see it.

He didn’t sing the one song I did know and love. Born in the USA. But, he didn’t have to. Because he showed us what a Boss is. He inspires. He gives his all to his “team”. He makes sure that they know they are loved by him, as much as they may love him.

A management lesson for us all.Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A.

 

You don’t have to take my word for it.   Read this review…
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28 thoughts on “The Boss”

  1. Sounds like a dreaded trip ended up paying off in the end 🙂 Funny how sometimes things just work out that way in life. Glad you had a great time!
    Mary Hudak-Collins recently posted..{this moment}

  2. Wow! A different post than I expected from you! “Always expect the Inquisition!”
    I like some of Springsteen, but I know people who travel the country to see him in concert.
    Getting down with the people is BOSS, no matter if it is a singer or an employer. As a long-term employee I looked up to those who took the time to be with those that helped with their success.
    Love discussing leadership and what makes a good boss.

  3. Great post, Roy. I went to a summer concert/festival earlier this year and had a similar experience. There was a band I didn’t expect to like but ended up being a big fan because of their energy, interaction, and how they really seemed to care about the audience. There was another band I liked, but ended up loving and would see them again and again.

    Then there was the person I thought would be my favorite. She looked bored, didn’t even remember where she was, and definitely did not want to be there. I won’t be buying anything from her anymore.

    Customer service is really where. It’s at, no matter what industry you’re in.
    Amethyst Mahhoney recently posted..Get Through Your Blogging Fears

  6. Roy: How incredible that show must have been! Sounds like you had a fantastic time…a night that memories are made of! So true…that’s why Bruce is the “Boss” & a legendary rocker to boot (even though the boot is filled w/sweat)! Thanks for sharing that experience in such an eloquent way…allowing me to live vicariously through you!
    Lynn Brown recently posted..LinkedIn Endorsement

    1. I am thrilled that I was able to convey even a little bit of the energy that Bruce provided to his audience. And, the lessons for all of us to learn and share as to how to engage our “audience”, as well.
      Thanks for the visit and the comment, Lynn!

  7. I have never attended a Bruce Springsteen Concert but it sounds like you really got a show to remember. I love to see performers step out of their comfort zone to connect with their fans.
    I like the way you took a story from your personal life and related it to business management. Way to go!!!
    Janette Fuller recently posted..Walk Like MADD

  9. As my concert loving good friend would say Bruce gave you an ‘old school’ concert where it was about music..not light shows and fancy constumes. I think it shows something about the skills he has as a performer and a person. He understands that a little appreciation (shaking hands etc) goes a long long way.
    Fun story Roy…I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.
    Bonnie recently posted..A Wind Storm, Fallen Branch, Nutty Dog and My Breaking Point

    1. Thanks for the visit, Bonnie…and the comment..
      I am not sure that “old school” is the issue, though… I’ve been to a few concerts that involved pyrotechnics, backdrops, and the like- but if the musicians use these as props and not as stand-ins for the concert, then the audience is properly rewarded for its attendance.
      BUt, the difference between a contented audience and a wowed audience is due to exactly the same difference between companies that provide a contented customer and a wowed customer…

  10. Nice.

    I went to a concert once or twice (I hate going to concerts!) and one was so terrible that the musician was totally lost in himself. Came in two hours late, couldn’t figure out what he was singing for the first half hour and then he went for a fifteen minute break and then he just sang terribly.

    Sometimes little things go a long way.
    Hajra recently posted..A Monster Under the Bed or On It?

    1. Yes, they do…
      And, to be honest, Hajra, I have found that those in the arts and those in politics have the most “self-aggrandizing” views of oneself… which seems to provide exactly the experience you describe.

  11. Hi Roy!
    i don’t know bruce but i know Jazz.but as you describe about bruce’s perfomance on stage how was amazing and wonder then i think he is a good singer in U.S. industry.i like it.
    anshul recently posted..Online Banking Software

  12. This was a beautiful example, Roy! We can have so many expectations of our boss, but we often forget one of the most important qualities of an amazing leader — his/her ability to connect with others. I imagine this to be a person’s natural charm. And when that exists, we seem to be able to forgive so many other aspects (including Bruce’s tardiness). =)
    Samantha Bangayan recently posted..A Sisterhood Blogger and Expat in Peru

  14. Interesting how you saw something different then the show. One thing about so many entertainers, they do give their all. There are prima donnas but on stage, the best entertainers know that the people out front want a show and they really can give one whether playing with snakes, wearing outlandish costumes or swinging over the audience, the crowd paid for a show. I can take or leave Springsteen but I HATE crowds so I admire you effort of the drive. Glad you had a great experience
    Roberta Budvietas recently posted..No Profit, Get a Job or……

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