What Bruce Springsteen teaches us about extraordinary leadership
By Karen Colligan, Founder and Principal, PeopleThink
When thinking about leadership inspiration, rock and roll may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, attending a Bruce Springsteen concert can serve as an unexpected masterclass in leadership. On August 21, 2024, in Philadelphia, Bruce Springsteen, known as “The Boss,” wasn’t just performing for 42,000 people — he was leading them. His presence, connection, and relentless energy on stage demonstrated qualities that all leaders should strive to emulate.
Springsteen’s career, spanning more than five decades, exemplifies leadership grounded in vision, passion, and accountability. His approach to performance, life, and leadership offers a rich source of inspiration for anyone seeking to become an extraordinary leader.
Vision: Leading with a clear purpose
At the core of each Springsteen concert is a clear vision: to ensure that every person in the stadium is singing, dancing, and having the time of their lives. This clarity of purpose is key to leadership. In any leadership role, having a clear goal is essential for guiding a team.
Springsteen has maintained this unwavering vision since his teenage years, dedicated to his music and creating unforgettable experiences. Similarly, great leaders possess a strong vision that drives their actions and inspires those they lead. Whether putting on a rock concert or leading a business, a leader with a clear vision ensures everyone understands the goal and is motivated to achieve it.
Inspiring passion: Loving what you do
Springsteen’s passion for music sets him apart. His enthusiasm is contagious — whether he or the audience is having more fun is often hard to tell. From pursuing music at 15 to performing in sold-out stadiums, his love for his craft has never waned.
Leaders who are passionate about their work inspire those around them. Springsteen reminds us that loving what you do not only brings personal fulfillment, but also motivates others. Passionate leaders can engage their teams and foster a culture of dedication and excellence.
Building trust: Delivering consistently
Trust forms the foundation of Springsteen’s relationship with his fans. People know they can count on him to give 100%+ at every concert, an unshakeable bond built over decades of consistent, high-energy performances.
In leadership, trust is equally important. Leaders who consistently deliver on promises and hold themselves accountable foster loyalty and dedication within their teams. Springsteen’s career shows that reliability and commitment are vital to building strong, cohesive teams (and fans).
Clear communication: Speaking from the heart
Springsteen is known for his clear and heartfelt communication. Whether through his music or directly addressing the crowd, he speaks with honesty and conviction, sharing personal experiences and emotions with his audience.
Great leaders also communicate openly and honestly. By sharing their thoughts and feelings — especially during challenging times — they build stronger connections with their teams. Springsteen’s candid and courageous communication offers a lesson in how leaders can inspire and connect with those they lead.
Accountability: Bringing your best every time
At any Springsteen concert, there’s no doubt that he and the E Street Band will give everything they have. Springsteen holds himself accountable for delivering a memorable performance every time he steps on stage, a dedication that reflects a critical leadership trait.
For leaders, accountability means taking responsibility for outcomes and maintaining high standards. Like Springsteen, leaders who consistently deliver excellence inspire confidence and set the tone for a culture of responsibility and excellence.
Joy and engagement: Leading with positivity
One of the most noticeable aspects of a Springsteen concert is the joy radiating from both the stage and the audience. The mutual enthusiasm creates a shared experience that transcends a typical performance.
Leaders who bring joy and positivity to their work create an uplifting environment for their teams. Engaged and happy leaders inspire their teams to feel energized, valued, and motivated. Springsteen’s exuberance reminds us that leadership isn’t just about achieving goals, but also about fostering a positive environment where everyone can thrive.
Staying true to your vision: Authentic leadership
Springsteen’s success over five decades reflects his visionary leadership. He has stayed true to his core values — his music, his band, and his connection to his audience — while evolving over time. Surrounding himself with talented, like-minded individuals, he’s built a community that shares and supports his vision.
For leaders in any field, maintaining a clear vision while staying grounded in values is crucial. Like Springsteen, visionary leaders build communities of people with a shared purpose, fostering innovation and growth while staying true to their mission.
Conclusion: Leadership lessons from Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s career offers timeless leadership lessons that extend far beyond the stage. His passion, vision, ability to inspire, and accountability are traits that define great leadership. Whether leading a team or an entire organization, the qualities that Springsteen embodies — vision, passion, trust, communication, accountability, joy, and authenticity — are universally applicable.
To become an extraordinary leader, embrace these same principles: love what you do, communicate openly, stay true to your vision, and inspire others to give their best. By doing so, you’ll not only achieve success but also create meaningful, lasting connections with the people you lead — just as Bruce Springsteen has done for over 50 years.
Next time you seek leadership inspiration, look no further than “The Boss.” Gather your own “E Street Band” — a team of passionate, dedicated individuals who share your vision and values — and lead them toward greatness.
Learn more about Karen Colligan and the Keep It Real™ Leadership Program where we work together to help you elevate and equip yourself to become an extraordinary leader.
Karen Colligan
Karen Colligan is a recognized expert in leadership and team development and founder of PeopleThink. Karen is on a quest to equip new and advancing leaders with the confidence and competencies to unleash their leadership potential, leverage their uniqueness, and strengthen their impact on your business.
PeopleThink’s signature program, Keep it Real™ Leadership, is a program to train new leaders to lead. In her Let’s TAWK Leadership Podcast Series she interviews leaders at all levels within multiple industries who share their unique leadership style. Karen co-authored The AdviseHERy Board, a guide for women to create their own board of directors and accelerate their business.
Karen moved to Manhattan in November 2020 from San Francisco (yes, in the middle of a pandemic). She received her BS in Organizational Development from the University of San Francisco (USF). Karen is a Board member of the Entrepreneurs Organization Accelerator (EOA), New York Chapter, a member of ProVisors New York and serves on the Executive Committee for ProVisors NY7 and the Women’s Affinity Group. She’s also a member of the USF New York Council. Karen loves the Jersey Shore and seeing live music and theater brings her great joy!
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