Lessons from the Grand Ole Opry

My wife, Peg, and I were recently at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Three things stood out during the two hour show – God, the elderly, and humor. Three thoughts that leaders may want to reflect on.

“God bless you” and “thank God” were frequently heard from the performers throughout the evening. Those words were refreshing to hear.

I have always felt that it is ironic how political leaders want to take “God” out of our national vernacular, but when tragedies come, the first thing they ask everyone to do is to pray. In concert with that how often do we hear them end their speeches with, “God bless you and God bless America?” Why, if a prayer in school is forbidden?

Leaders have an awful lot to be thankful for and not being ashamed to thank God, like the performers at the Grand Ole Opry often do, may be something to consider.

The Opry cherishes and honors its older performers. One emcee had her first performance there 48 years ago and another 53 years ago. Too often organizations rid themselves of their aging people and thereby lose parts of their tradition and the wisdom that comes from the older people’s experience.

I have known a number of younger leaders who have reached out to their predecessors and learned a great deal from their knowledge. They were glad they did so.

Humor was recurrent throughout the night. Bill Anderson may have led the league when he said he wrote a song for his “ex” titled, “The Only Good Years We Ever Had Were the Tires on Your Car.”

Leaders can and should bring humor and fun into the workplace. Great leaders demand effort but also bring lighter moments to their organizations.

Thanking God for your many blessings, honoring and learning from older people, and bringing laughter to your organization are three concepts worthy of consideration.