We talk about engagement a lot in the world of work but when you see true engagement – you know it!

I was lucky enough to get a ticket to the recent Post Malone / Red Hot Chili Peppers (RHCP) concert in Brisbane.

Post Malone the ‘warm-up’ taught some very good lessons during his set around how to engage with his audience:

• Every song he wore a hat / pair of sunglasses he gained from a member of the audience – very inclusive
• He was invited to do a “Shoey” by one of the crowd – which he did
• A member of the audience asked if he could play guitar to one of his songs with him on stage – he cordially invited him on the stage, and they performed the song together.
• A roadie who was responsible for the “brewskis” for him was publicly congratulated on his birthday the next day
• He was humbled by us the audience being there to support and watch him
• He was humbled by being asked by the RHCP to join him on tour – even though he is a headline act
• He gave a motivational speech during his performance encouraging people to “live your values and be true to yourself – believe in yourself…”

The irony is that this came naturally – nothing was forced he was truly authentic, actively engaging with his followers, offering support and recognition to those around him. All traits we could translate into leadership in the workplace.

The most common question I was asked the day after the gig was:

“Do the Chili Peppers still have what it takes at their age?’

The definitive answer in my opinion is YES – but here is some data behind it:

• 1 hour and 20 minutes on stage – Flea did not stop! It was high energy – full intensity – an overload of the senses – take a look for yourself: https://youtu.be/RYB9rcAcIoY
• The encore had 40,000+  people hooked and wanting more…
• The new music had the traditional RHCP vibe but with a twist
• The light show and the graphics were part of the show – 360 degree feedback and engagement

Translating this to the talent / HR world  – here are some tips from Posty:  

• Be humble
• Live your values
• Be true to yourself
• Live life to its fullest
• Appreciate and recognise others
• Learn from your mentors
• Don’t take yourself seriously – he self-confessed he cannot dance – were his moves rehearsed? Nope, but he got up there…

And some tips from the Peppers’:

• Age is merely a number – experience counts and should be utilised – (especially in a tight labour market)
• If you believe in something the motivation / energy will be there – (hire for values / motivational fit)
• Retention – Flea and Anthony Kiedis launched the group in 1983 – after 40 years together – they are still together as a unit.
• Collaboration and brainstorming – during the breaks between songs Flea and John Frusciante would just jam together, making new riffs.
• Teamwork and inclusivity – the combination of Post Malone and RHCP attracted a crowd consisting of all demographics, all genres, all fashions – Post Malone attracted a wider audience than a pure Chili Peppers concert would have. Some of those now have exposure to the Chili Peppers.

To add to the story Post Malone suffers from anxiety – he collaborates across all genres of music and he and the RHCP brought out all walks of life across Brisbane – true inclusivity.

Post Malone is a gamer who learnt to play guitar via an app – I am sure John Frusciante did not learn this way: the combination may show how different generations learn, our L&D needs to cross generations.

Flea gained his nickname because he could not still – he always felt mis-understood: sounds like a neurodiverse trait to me but look at the creativity when someone finds their focus!

The point to all this?

I think businesses can look at this closer as we do with many sporting teams – we all know a sporting analogy when it comes to leadership and teamwork right?

Music and what forms a strong band (a group of people) and how they engage an audience  ultimately have a tribe of followers across different languages, different demographics, different cultures… musicians inspire many, both neurodiverse and neurotypical, and all genders can relate…

Music is emotive – when you hear a song you relate it back to a time or situation in your life.

In the workplace if you can emulate some of the key principles outlined in this blog:  Engagement is key for success, unlocking motivation is key, teamwork is key, diversity is key, collaboration, brainstorming and evolution is key… unlocking how both neurodiverse and neurotypical minds can work together: I reckon you will be on the right track to being successful and have an amazing culture.

Call it the Post RHCP methodology?!

STEPHEN CUSHION
General Manager – Consulting

Stephen joined Optimum in 2015 as the General Manager of the Consulting practice based in Brisbane. Stephen brought with him vast experience across HR consulting and executive recruitment, having previously worked for a global top tier talent management organisation and market leading companies.