Whether you are old enough to remember 1969, the “Summer of Love,” or just have heard about it from older family members, Woodstock was a significant event in history, and it offers several lessons for leaders as well:
· Music is powerful. Many studies have demonstrated that listening to music can reduce anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and pain. It also can help people sleep better, and it improves memory, mood, and concentration. Listening to favorite music can re-energize and cheer people in an instant.
· New learning expands the brain and is essential for both leaders and their teams. It keeps people motivated, engaged, and productive.
· A shared vision promotes teamwork and loyalty. Leaders need to find ways to bring people together and get them on the same page. They need to help workers see the positive impact of their efforts and how they contribute to a shared vision.
· Emotions dominate decision-making. Emotional decisions made with lack of impulse control are damaging both to the individual leader and his or her organization. Leaders need to step back and resist the urge to let emotions overrule logical thinking. This isn’t to say that emotions don’t have a role in decisions, but choices made solely on emotions are problematic.
