December, 2006

"Team Work"

by Webmaster

I recently went back to work, on a short-term, full-time contract, for a corporate client. I was doing computer security work. It was demanding and intense work: I had to learn new skills and relearn old skills I hadn't used for a while. I had a lot of work to do and some non-negotiable deadlines. It was stressful.

And, I loved every minute of it!

After the first two months, I stopped booking gigs and scheduling social events. I focused on my job and put all my energy into it.

And, I loved every minute of it!

I even found myself thinking that I'd work for them even if I didn't need the money. So, I asked myself what it was that I loved about the job.

I loved the job because I felt valued, respected, needed and appreciated. I didn't just know that I was needed. The folks there expressed their appreciation in words and actions.

I loved the job because I was part of a team. We each brought strengths and weaknesses to the table and used our strengths to help each other overcome our weaknesses.

I loved the job because I was learning and growing. And, I was respected as much for learning and growing as I was for the skills I brought in.

I realized that I have been part of several bands and have never experienced that feeling in a band situation.

I mentioned this to Jerry Mills, of Southern Exposure. He said, "You just haven't been in the right band."

The Doors formed a tight unit from the beginning, splitting all their publishing royalties equally. When the band was introduced on stage as "Jim Morrison and The Doors" early on, Jim made the MC introduce then again—as "The Doors." — Evan Schlansky, "Sex, Death and Poetry: The Story of The Doors," American Songwriter, November / December, 2006

Jim Morrison was a poet. The members of the band were attracted to his lyrics and his voice. But, he didn't insist on being the only songwriter in the band and the others felt free to write and contribute songs. Their first hit was "Light My Fire" written by Robby Krieger.

"Jim said that maybe we don't have enought songs, you know...you all should try to write some too," Krieger remembers. "So I went home and the first one I did was 'Light My Fire.'" — Evan Schlansky, "Sex, Death and Poetry: The Story of The Doors," American Songwriter, November / December, 2006

Performers need to have egos. This is natural.

I was wrong when I said, "if we didn't have egos, we'd be stockbrokers." Stockbrokers have egos. I should have said, "if we didn't have egos, we'd be insurance salesmen." — Butch Hause

There's nothing wrong with having a healty ego and being proud of one's abilities.

But (Behold the Ultimate Truth), if you want to be in a successful band, you need to be aware of the other band members' ego, and encourage them to shine, to grow and improve. You can help each other overcome weaknesses.

Don't be afraid ~ Share your ideas ~ Your candle won't lose any of its brightness by lighting others. — Ashleigh Brilliant

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