What if more business was like U2?

U2 — the band and the music — inspire millions of us. It doesn’t surprise me to find churches holding U2charist services or people being moved to action by Bono’s work for Africa. It doesn’t even surprise me that politicians jostle each other for the photo opportunity with the Irish guy in the shades, although in many cases I bet that’s less about inspiration and more about Can I get your autograph for my daughter?

I find U2 fans at parties, in the grocery store checkout line, in the pub when “Streets” comes on the PA and the two guys in overalls covered with cement dust at the next table start singing along with such feeling… We are everywhere.

It turns out we’re even inspired by the way U2 does business.

I came across this article because I just launched my own management consulting business last week, and so I’m building relationships with folks in the industry… and it’s been a surprise and a delight to find so many U2 fans in the mix. And you know what? It’s no different than making friends in the GA line, or sharing a hug with a stranger in the ellipse because U2 makes you both feel so good. People find out I write for @U2, and suddenly we are no longer formal, we’re no longer suspicious or particularly competitive — we’re just two people on email or on the phone talking about what we love about the band and their music. The U2 fans I’ve met in business (including Michael Lee Stallard, the author of the article) have been really nice people, supportive and helpful. Isn’t that cool?

And isn’t it cool that U2’s values may be inspiring people not just in spiritual or community terms, but also in business as well? I’d love to hear what you think about it.

Last 4 posts by kelley

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One Response to “What if more business was like U2?”

  1. Michael Lee Stallard 28 November 2008 at 3:03 pm permalink

    Kelley,

    Thanks for bringing attention to the article I wrote about U2 for The Economic Times. I’m inspired by the commitment the members of U2 have made to one another. Sadly, to many team and organizational cultures are “dog-eat-eat” environments or they are utterly indifferent to people. We are human beings and not machines. We need to be respected, recognized for our talents and contributions and we need to belong. U2’s journey provides a vivid reminder that connection and community help us thrive in life and that no one can thrive for long without it.

    Michael