Hey HOBY! A few weeks ago I did an analysis of Duran Duran’s hit song ‘Hungary like a Wolf.’ This week I plan to continue reviews of 80’s songs that derive a leadership lesson, this week Hall and Oat’s Classic ‘You Make My Dreams Come True.’
You may recognize this song from several movies including, The Wedding Singer, and most recently Step Brothers. If this song is a throwback for you please trade in your 8-track, or mix tape and please download and listen to this song. I won’t lie, this song appears on my Ipod workout playlist, and it puts a little hop in my step when I am running.
The first line in this song is
“What I want, you’ve got and it might be hard to handle.”
Every single person looks for approval, either in an idea they may have or in an opinion on a particular subject. This is part of human nature and we all strive to find approval for actions that we may or may not take. In most instances people don’t approve of the action you are taking or plan to take, leading to several potential problems. These include: ridicule of your idea, downplaying your role in situation to not listen to your idea, and most commonly criticism of your idea. All of these lead to more than you had bargained for and more than you can handle, when simply looking for approval.
“But like the flame that burns the candle, the Candle feeds the flame.”
When you receive criticism of your idea you need to remember your burning desire that inspired you to first seek approval. At the first sign of discontent, most people get so caught up in whose idea is right and who is wrong. The real reason for the idea becomes lost in the conflict. Is it just me or has this been the underlying problem with politician’s since ancient Greece?
It takes a truly high caliber person to realize that through criticism and comprise that the best ideas are formulated. Lest we forget the Bluegrasses State’s most shining political statesman, Henry Clay, or the Great Compromiser. Clay ended up the upsetting the opposing political party as well as his own, resulting that he would never become President, all just because he saw past party politics and tried to achieve what was best. To be a truly successful leader you must understand the concept that everything in life is a two-way street. Also take nothing personally when working with colleagues to accomplish a common goal, people get a little fired up, remember you are all there for the same reason.
“What I’ve got’s full stock of thoughts, and dreams that scatter.”
This line refers to the fact that before you draw any conclusions you must have all aspects of any plan, proposal, or argument fully thought out. The best thing my mother ever taught me was to place myself in another person’s shoes. You should always look at anything you do in your personal and professional life from an outside perspective; this is how the world see’s you and your actions. You must always have a full stock of ideas and thoughts about anything you decide or say, that way when hacking out the details with critics and opponents you can come to the best solution when compromising. Once you have thought out each angle of your idea and are ready to not only defend your position but compromise as well, then your dream can fully scatter across your peers as desired.
“You pull them (your dreams) together, and how I can’t explain. But you make my dreams come true.”
This follows closely with the previous passage about your final dream or idea that had been compromised with. Sometimes, things you expected in life to be difficult: ideas that would never work in a million years, or an idea that nobody would agree with. Get appraisal and approved in a heartbeat. More often than not when these occur you cannot explain how these things happened. If you have ever had this thought or feeling before, you need to work on self confidence. Usually when you tell someone to work on self confidence, it is taken negatively. However look at the situation I presented, you are looking from a person or group. Obviously you know these people well enough that you need reassurance or approval for whatever action you took or are looking to take. I challenge anyone to say they have not had a feeling that something would never work out and later to find everything feel into place working out in the end. You don’t have to take my word for it, but I believe that confidence is the essential element to leadership. Not an overbearing, cocky confidence; but a confidence in your appearance, actions, and motives.
In review lessons to be taken from this song include:
-We are all looking for approval, be aware that more often than not you will receive some criticism along the way.
-Be willing and able to compromise, but still stand firm in your idea. The best ideas are those that are worked out together by opposing viewpoints, remember Henry Clay.
-Be sure to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Look at what you want approval on; is it acceptable from the outside perspective? If not, why? Be sure to be as honest with yourself when analyzing your situation.
-Be confidant in your ideas, opinions, and feelings. Never be afraid to express your opinion responsibly and accept challenges head on, knowing that in the end your goal will be achieved along with others through compromise.
Thought of the week: How did some of your dreams come true? Did you stumble upon your dreams or did you have to work through them? Are you as confident as you think you are in daily situations? What does this quote mean to you? How do you feel about communication?
Quote Of The Week: “ The Purpose of this communication is a heads-up.”
-By John Oates
