Rock stars know that in order to create sweet music, you need to use instructions to boost productivity. Success rarely happens by accident. Instead, you create an environment, where people know what you want them to do and how they should do it.
During my TV news days, I saw examples of this when I covered several rock concerts. Typically, show organizers will allow members of the media to enter the performance arena for two songs.
As a reporter, beyond getting a feel for the crowd and the performance, there wasn’t too much else for me to do, as usually the band would not hold a press conference. So I would observe some of the behind the scenes activity.
Typically, the news photographer and I would be told to stand, behind the sound engineer’s station, so we wouldn’t block the view for any of the fans. I noticed that on that desk, you’d always see a piece of paper, full of handwriting. This was the band’s set list for the show.
A set list is a rundown of any songs, stories, or other elements that will take place on stage. The list plays a key role in making sure the performance runs smoothly.
While your job may not see you perform in front of thousands, you can learn a lot about how rock stars use these instructions to boost productivity.
Clarity
It’s not unusual for a band to shake up their set list in order to avoid monotony or change the mood of the show. The list allows the technical crew to know what’s coming up next, so they can support the performance. The greatest guitar solo in the world, won’t sound very good, if the sound engineer doesn’t turn up the guitar’s microphone.
In your business, do people know what they need to do and when they need to do it? If they’re not sure or become distracted by other priorities, then productivity will suffer.
This is especially true with big, collaborative projects, where one person can’t start their work until another finishes.
Prevent Guessing Through Repetition
When people don’t know what you want them to do, then they’ll guess. Often that means they’ll guess wrong.
Employee morale will suffer if people feel they did the right things but didn’t know it was at the wrong time.
Even if it feels like overkill, repeat important instructions, so people know exactly what you want. The repetition provides confidence.
For a member of a band, knowing what’s ahead can give them that break when they can grab a drink of water or do something else.
Allows for Change
Another way rock stars use instructions to boost productivity comes when there are last minute changes. On the final stop of the tour, the lead signer may want to make a special dedication. You want that moment to be remembered for what was said, rather than a bunch of technical problems from an unprepared crew.
There may come a time when you need to make a quick and dramatic change at work. Maybe it’s related to sales or customer service.
If you’ve created an environment where employees expect clear instructions, then they’ll do a much better job implementing the change.
Uncover Problems
Even the most effective leaders may miss something. They may have overlooked something, like a postal holiday, that will affect a project.
When you put out clear instructions, people have a chance to review them and let you know if they see any problems. Some of them may be easily fixed but you don’t get that extra level of review, if you don’t share the plans.
For the rock band, a tour stop may see a surprise performer join the band for a song or two. While the audience should be surprised, everyone else should know what’s going on, so the special appearance runs smoothly.
Let’s Create a Memorable Meeting
