A special welcome to our guest blogger, Bill Sheridan…

I recently learned an important business lesson in a most unexpected way—from my favorite country group of all time, The Statler Brothers.

Okay, I admit it. They’re older than dirt and some of you may not have a clue about these guys. They began their career around 1964 singing back-up harmony for Johnny Cash. The Statlers retired at the top of their game a few years ago after years of touring and recording dozens of hit records on their own.

And harmony is the operative word in my lesson learned. I had cranked up a fast-paced Gospel song and paid closer attention to the music than usual. Harold Reid was singing bass as if his voice emanated from the basement. Jimmy Fortune (the ’5th Statler’ who replaced the late-Lew DeWitt) sang different lyrics than the rest in a high pitched tenor. Don Reid was the lead on baritone and Phil Balsley’s voice quietly and simply blended in with the others.

That’s when it hit me!

Different words, Different ranges. Different volume. But it worked. Somehow, some way, it worked. Each did his own thing in the way it was supposed to be done. Each had a role and understood exactly what that role was. An arranger had given each his assignment and the four performed their respective parts to perfection.

That’s when it occurred to me that being in harmony is perhaps better and certainly less boring than being in unison (like those robot looking dudes who race down a river putting their oars in the water at the same time, speed and rhythm). Harmony allows for individuality and creativity within the context of doing it in such a way that works for the good of the whole.

My point?

That’s how I view a well-run business operation: veterans, new recruits, managers, administrative assistants, sales people, and trainers heading in the same general direction with the same general goals. Doing it all, however, in harmony if not in unison. Different personalities. Different ages. Different talents. Different backgrounds, Different genders. Different aspirations. But making it work. And more often than not—making it work to perfection!

Bill Sheridan
Sheridan Writes

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