Top 5 Qualities of a Successful CEO

Posted on January 16, 2012 by instituteB

Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, John Lennon/Paul McCartney, Bono, Michael Jackson - titans of modern music who still resonate after decades of success. I think the CEO’s of the world could learn a thing or two from this motley crew. Why?

1. They knew where they belonged.

Each of these musicians found music as a deep expression of who they are. They may question a performance, a song but their relationship to music is fundamental.

2. They honored tradition.

Dylan studied and learned the folk tradition; Jagger, the Blues; Lennon and McCartney, American Bandstand and Jazz; Bono, Irish folk and Michael Jackson, Rhythm and Blues. They knew they were standing on a foundation of incredible music and musicians.

3. They broke through traditions and created entirely new expressions.

At the Monterey Folk Festival Dylan was booed off the stage when he went electric; Jagger taught the reluctant British about classic American Country Blues; Lennon and McCartney practiced for months in basement Hamburg bars to perfect their own sound; Bono combined Irish folk with rock and the blues; and Jackson – look at his 80’s videos from the ‘Thriller’ album. Now look at almost all of today’s music videos, Jackson is right there telling everyone how to sing and how to dance.

4. They needed the support of those around them – the band.

Dylan always used great backup musicians – The Band for one. Jagger: Keith, Charlie , Ronnie and Bill. Lennon/McCartney: George and Ringo. Bono: The Edge, Clayton and Mullen. Jackson: his family –the Jackson Five and every great studio musician.

5. Passion – They have a great time doing what they are doing or did.

Why do we love art? It is there to remind us of who we are. Not the constraints that society, culture, organizations attempt to put on us. No, art – these artists - remind us of our true self-expression.

What do you need to be a successful CEO?

Know where you belong. Honor the tradition of your business. Brake through traditions and create entirely new expressions. Know you need the support of those around you – your band. Passion – have a great time doing what you are doing.

Written by: Bix Bickson, Director of Mojofication