Three MORE Things Learning To Write Songs Can Teach Us About Leadership
The simple act of doing something we’ve never done - in this case learning to write songs - unlocks a host of powerful lessons about our existing mindsets. If we’re open to the experience, there is tremendous potential for growth both as individuals and as an organization. Below are a few more ways that learning to write songs can improve our leadership skills.
1. It’s time to think differently
One of my favorite expressions was taught to me by Dave Owens, the Executive Director of the Wond’ry Innovation Center at Vanderbilt University. Dave says that “change is what happens to us and innovation is what we do to them.” In other words, change is inevitable and if we’re passive as leaders it will happen in a way that puts us in a reactive position. On the other hand if, like learning to write songs, we’re willing to look at things differently and develop a culture where our organization does the same, then the ideas that are generated are a proactive way to move your people and your organization forward.
2. Communication is critical
Good communication is one of the hallmarks of great leadership and songs are all about good communication. The chorus of a song is the deceptively simple summary of a song’s message and learning to write one serves as a great reminder that the best communication is clear, plainspoken and to the point. If all communication were held up to the standard of great song choruses, it would take a lot of unnecessary confusion and misunderstanding out of our lives. Leaders who prioritize compelling communication can count on increased motivation and loyalty throughout their organizations.
3. Be willing to take risks
Making changes in an organization when everything is going well requires a willingness to take risks but given that the status quo is not the safe place we’d like to believe it is, risk-taking is a critical part of effective leadership. Writing songs - a thing most leaders have never done before - and then singing them as I get participants in my program to do, feels undoubtedly risky. However, I’ve designed the program to introduce this risk in a manageable and achievable way so that the taking of small risks can serve as a reminder that we’re all capable of risk-taking. The motivation that results from leaving our comfort zones and accomplishing something we considered both difficult and risky, is the key to reframing risk as a positive in an organizational context.
Conclusion
Songwriting, with its use of metaphors, is itself a metaphor for inspired leadership. By thinking differently, communicating more clearly and taking the occasional risk, not only are excellent songs written but also great leaders are forged. None of us is ever above learning something new and leaders with a growth mindset are the ones who end up inspiring not only themselves but also their organizations. Take a deep breath and give songwriting a try. And for those of you who are serious about it, here’s a pro tip, I can help.
Bio
Cliff Goldmacher is a GRAMMY-recognized, #1 hit songwriter, music producer and author with recording studios in Nashville, TN and Middle River, MD. Through his studios, Cliff provides songwriters outside of Nashville with virtual, live access to Nashville’s best session musicians and studio vocalists for their songwriting demos. Find out more. You can also download Cliff’s FREE tip sheet “A Dozen Quick Fixes To Instantly Improve Your Songs.”
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