Can You Make it Rain Harder?
I watched an interview with Don Mischer recently. Mischer is a director and producer of television and live events who’s directed the Academy Awards, Olympics and Special Olympics opening ceremonies, the Billboard Awards, and the Super Bowl halftime performances of Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and others.
In the interview, Mischer shared a story from Prince’s half time show, which he also directed.
The stage was made of Mylar and it was slippery. Too slippery for Mischer’s liking. Prince had dancers in high heels and Mischer was concerned that they (and the musicians) would slip and hurt themselves and unintentionally sabotage the entire event in front of 100 million people.
Mischer shared that he didn’t sleep the night before because of how worried he was.
On game day, it was drizzling, which made the stage that much more slippery. Mischer referred to it as “treacherous.”
Just as Prince was about to take the stage, the sky opened up and it started pouring.
Mischer called Prince on his walkie talkie and told him how hard it was raining.
Prince responded, “Can you make it rain harder?”
What a novel idea. Instead of being frustrated or wishing for his circumstances to be different, Prince invited the challenge. He actually expressed wanting it to be even more challenging.
I thought about all the time I’ve personally spent on wanting something to be different. You may have spent time doing this as well. If you have, know that it’s a colossal waste of time.
Of course, I’m not speaking here about life and death circumstances. Certainly, if someone you love is ill, that sucks. Pray, wish, hope, or do whatever works for you in that situation.
I’m talking about the every day leadership challenges we face. The other company landing the client you were vying for, your employees who’ve lost sight of the mission, or your boss ignoring all the great work you’re doing.
If something needs to be different, and it’s within your control, work to make it different.
If it’s out of your control, like the rain, be okay with it. And know, that as a leader, very few things will fall into this bucket.
You don’t have to be a football fan or a Prince fan to know that performance was legendary. It might not have been if Prince was focused on what was wrong vs. being amazing, regardless.
