Recently I saw an interview with Bono, the lead singer of the band, U2. Who would have thought you could learn so much about leadership from a rock star?
I was so impressed with his passion, commitment, humor and ability to relate to people. You trust him. He is direct and upfront. He speaks from his heart and experience.
What is especially powerful is how he uses leverage. He says that being a celebrity is currency. He is going to spend his. Bono leverages his celebrity and fame to bring attention to AIDS, debt, hunger and Africa.
He spreads his messages at concerts. He creates alliances with presidents and prime ministers. Last year he was named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” along with Bill and Melinda Gates.
Business consultant, Dr. Henry Cloud, says, “Alliances are about creating leverage to take what you do to a multiple.” Leaders leverage their skills, connections or fame to create a bigger game. Through leverage you can build something larger than yourself.
What’s your bigger game? What can you leverage to support it? With whom can you create an alliance? You don’t have to be a rock star. You only need passion, vision, a plan and a desire for change.