Thank You for the Music

We have a very special treat this week, campers. A guest blogger! (A rookie, too, so hazing is perfectly acceptable -- and expected.) Steve Lundeen, a member of The Schnur Consulting Group and head of our Midwest region. He's got something good to say. So, please give him your full attention.

In his September 26 submission (You Could Be In Pictures), Alan waxed eloquent – I guess that’s redundant, he always does – about the music of our personal soundtrack. He asked important questions about what the background music playing during our day, our week, our highs, our lows would be. And, certainly, it’d be really great if we could hear the track to forewarn us of impending trouble or to help us recognize when a moment really is wonderful, euphoric...like those Viagra or Cialis ads. (Do you ever wonder how many of those you’re missing?)

For me the soundtrack in my life resonates when I pay attention, start listening with more than my ears. And it’s taking control, to the extent one can, of what’s playing. What’s your approach? Are you listening to the "radio” - where you’re having the soundtrack chosen for you? Or are you using your “CD player” -- where you’re in charge of your own, personal playlist?

Of course, we all live in a big, dynamic world where stuff is coming at us all the time...24/7. So, the trick is: How do we manage? I believe the key is doing a better, more focused job of managing what we can. Namely, ourselves. That truly is the only thing we can control. If we all take more time to focus on “self”, to build our own “playlist”, we will present to the world our personal best. And when we do that, everybody and everything gets better.

Alan’s submission ended with “May this – and every week – be filled with music that defines you.” That advice truly resonates with me. But more than define me, music serves as an inspiration. I wholeheartedly agree with Alan’s wish for all of us, but I’d like to add to it. Be proactive, take charge of inspiring yourself, don’t wait for your personal soundtrack to start playing...it is, in fact, already playing. In many ways, this may be a perfect time for you to hit the “pause” button on all the other noise in your life and put on your personal earphones and pay attention. Really pay attention.

I mentioned above focusing on self. Think about self for a moment. I’m not talking about selfish – but self. When you’re paying attention to self the volume on your personal sound track will start to crescendo. Noticing this will help you become more authentic. And when you get to that place, you and everything around you gets better. You’ll find yourself in a place of more clarity, calm, control. This may sound counter-intuitive to the world you live in. But when you settle into that calming place of authenticity and fulfillment you’ll perform that much better in your “orchestra”.

The next part of this is where/how is your music playing in the symphony of your life? (I’m working hard at keeping this metaphor going.) Unless you’ve decided to become a recluse, you’re “music” is an element of the bigger orchestra/band/combo/chorus in which you live.

I’ve spent my whole life being on a team, choirs and choruses; in athletics, from youth programs through semi-pro football; and, of course, corporate America. I believe the trick is to get real clarity around your “music” and then work to incorporate that into the environment, culture that helps bring resonance, clarity and, ultimately, joy to your life.

Here are a couple of videos that resonate with me. You’ll see incredible camaraderie, teamwork and fun, encouragement of risk-taking, operating out of one’s comfort zone – and yet feeling safe, making do with the talents and gifts we have, and the synergy of a group working in harmony.

In this first clip, do notice a very young Johnny Carson.



In this second video, be sure to notice the music these talented artists are making without instruments...just workin’ with what they’ve got.



I hope you enjoy...but mostly I hope this helps you focus on, and make a commitment to, defining your own music.


About Steve. Steve Lundeen has for over 25 years of experience as an executive with Eddie Bauer, Sunglass Hut International, Bath & Body Works and Life Time Fitness and has worked as a consultant and coach with Capella University, GfK Global Custom Research, Medtronic, Thrivent Financial, University of Minnesota and Xerox. Steve holds a BA from the University of Minnesota and a Coaching Certification from Coaches Training Institute, San Rafael, CA. While at the University of Minnesota, Steve was President of the Men’s Glee Club. Along with his wife, Katie, Steve has sung the National Anthem at several sporting events in Minneapolis (and enjoys a very successful won-loss record). Steve also has the distinction of being the starting center on the last Big 10 Championship football team from the University of Minnesota. He can be reached at steve@schnurconsulting.com. [Editor's note: Please write to him and abuse him as you do me. He'll love it.]