On Thursday, October 20, 2024, leaders were given a gift by ABC. George Stephanopoulos provided viewers backstage access along with multiple sit-down interviews with legendary performer Bruce Springsteen.

Whether you lead a business, church, non-profit, entertainment, or athletic organization, there were five things Springsteen taught us about engaging your audience which all leaders should learn from and apply.

He said,  “The audience wants from you two things – they want to feel at home when they come to see you… and they want to be surprised.  Finding the right balance between those two things on a nightly basis, it’s fun.”  Springsteen also added, “That’s my guarantee – people will leave with more than what they brought in.”

1. Your Audience Wants To Feel At Home

Springsteen said, “The audience wants from you two things – they want to feel at home when they come to see you.”  Feeling at home is generally associated with good memories.  People also love predictable environments.  It gives them a sense of peace, comfort, and security.  in addition, your audience can invite their friends because they know what they will experience.

2. Your Audience Wants To Be Surprised

Springsteen added, “and they want to be surprised.  Finding the right balance between those two things on a nightly basis, it’s fun.”  You delight your audience with positive surprises.  Surprises are what makes the experience remarkable.  It provides the “Wow!”

Wanting to surprise your audience also fights against complacency and assumption.

3. Your Audience Wants A ROI

Don’t ever be confused, people greatly value their time and money.  Both have scarcity.  So when they make an investment of both into your organization, they want a significant return on their investment.  Springsteen understands this.  He notes, “That’s my guarantee – people will leave with more than what they brought in.”

4. Your Audience Wants You To Remain Curious (whether they know it or not)

Curiosity may have killed the cat but is vital to becoming a lasting leader.  Springsteen and the E Street Band have been performing for over 50 years.  During that time, Springsteen has recorded almost 400 songs!  When asked what was his secret to songwriting, he said, “The key to continually writing well is to have to be curious about the world.  Curiosity moves you in new and different directions.”

Have you remained curious as a leader?  If so, what new and different directions have you moved into?

5. Your Audience Wants To Be Reminded Of Who They Can Be

People follow you because you can take them from Point A to Point B, a better place.  Discussing what he wants his audience to feel during his shows, Springsteen said, “We go out to remind you of who you are and to remind you who you might could be.”

Leaders, are you helping your people become the best versions of themselves?  If so, you have a chance to have an enduring leadership legacy as well.

Conclusion

Bruce Springsteen taught us the following five things your audience wants from you:

  1. To feel at home.
  2. To be surprised.
  3. A return on their investment.
  4. For you to remain curious.
  5. To be reminded of who they can be.

What is one (or more) of these areas you can improve in to become a better leader?

Resource for Becoming an Iconic Leader like Bruce Springsteen

Next week on December 2nd my new book releases.  Here’s a synopsis:  Some leaders are easily forgotten, others leave a lasting legacy. Some leaders do things by default, others by design. Some leaders want silver bullets, others build systems.  The Games Leaders Play is a powerful resource which gives you the tools and resources needed to succeed in today’s world.  Containing numerous stories and anecdotes, I will teach you the leadership principles needed to make a positive difference in the lives of others. You will be inspired and better equipped to lead others as you turn each page.  A discussion guide is included so you can go through this book with your team.  Whether you lead a church, athletic organization, business, or non-profit, The Games Leaders Play is the resource you have been looking for.  Some leaders keep doing the same, others are playing a different game. It’s time to go to the next level!

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