Strike the Right Chord (in progress)

Music can be a direct shot into the soul. The combination of lyrics, notes and rhythm can speak volumes strongly and succinctly.  Below are some options for using the music modality to impart leadership lessons or to bring up complex questions to sit with over time.  The are presented with Questions to Consider...

Change your mind, sister hazel (2010)

What role does your mind play in who you are? What informs who you want to be? How do we overcome our circumstances, genes, personality to become who we would like to be? Can we? What role does gratitude play in becoming the person you dream of becoming? What would be your highest priority if you were to make a change in yourself? What have you been "trying'" that's not working?

i'm not afraid, eminem (2010)

In the first lines, Eminem claims, "I had to go to that place to get to this." How do our past experiences shape our present encounters? Is that a good thing or is that harmful? "Walk this road together" What is the role of of others in assisting people through change? How do others thwart change? How do they encourage it? "Just take my hand" What is our responsibility to help others if we have been transformed? "Thought I had it mapped out, but guess I didn't" What do we do when our life plans turn out takin gus in the wrong direction? How can we recognize these effects? What do we draw upon to reinvent ourselves? What fear stops you from reaching your potential?

the climb, miley cyrus (2009)

What is the little voice inside your head that holds you back? How do you keep your "head held high" in the face of obstacles? What is the role of risk in your journey? If it's all about the climb, does having a clear goal matter? How does understanding that there will always be another mountain in front of you assist you on your journey? The song ends with "keep the faith." What faith do you need for your journey? What is the role of leaders in encountering mountains? How do leaders ensure that organizations/companies focus on the journey? 

Something just like this, the chainsmokers & COLDPLAY (2017)

How do you feel when you compare yourself to legends? Is it helpful to us to make that comparison? What can we do when we feel we don't "measure up?" What are your unique talents? Your gifts? What can you authentically bring to the world? Do you need to be "superhuman" to have something to offer? to be a leader? Sometimes it feels like superhero powers would help - what would you hope for? What are your goals? How can you get clarity on what's possible for you? How far can you reach? Do you have "superhero" ability?

Chicken Fried, Zac brown band (2008)

What are the images, experiences and details of your life that are sacred to you? How do these match up to the images, experiences and details that you chase after? What role do these sacred pieces play in your authentic self? How does knowing who you are assist you in walking through life? When are the "little things" enough and when might they not be? "There's no dollar sign on peace of mind" - how do we find peace of mind? What are you doing today that might bring you peace of mind? How does the concept of sufficiency play into peace of mind? What role does gratitude play in feeling sufficient? How does your attitude toward sufficiency effect others in your life? Where can I get really good fried chicken?

viva la vida, coldplay (2008)

What effect did having a position of power have on you? What do you miss about that authority? What role can you play now? What pieces of your identity were wrapped in the title or position? How can you dig down and find what was underneath that title? What made you successful? How can you use those qualities to help or nurture others now? As a leader people are waiting for you to "mess up." What impact does that have on your leadership? On your temptation to mess up? How can you be authentic to yourself while admitting culpability? How can you make change more about your self growth than PR? How does it feel now that people are not watching you? Does that come with relief or despair? How can you build a new way to validate yourself outside of the trappings of power?