What “We Are the World” Taught Us About Teamwork
Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash
I just recently watched The Greatest Night in Pop, which is the documentary that chronicles the night that mega stars came together to produce the record We Are the World in 1985. Since I was a teen in the ’80s, the film was very nostalgic for me. More importantly, there were layers upon layers of lessons about humanity that were demonstrated that night. The intention for creating this record was to raise awareness and funds to address the hunger crisis in Africa. The project raised over $80 million for famine relief and other developmental programs, which is the equivalent of $229 million today. The actual recording of the song was one night. The writing of the song was completed in three weeks to meet the deadline for gathering the artists together the night of the AMA Awards. The song was ultimately released on March 7th, and the whole project started and finished in two months. That’s a pretty good payday!
I began wondering what factors came together to have such extraordinary success in a short period of time that involved 46 artists.
The main driver for this was the purpose of the project. As humans, the level of our efforts is motivated by the “why” behind a particular result. When there is a purpose greater than ourselves, we create a deep desire to meet that outcome. Any form of suffering is uncomfortable for us, and we will go to great lengths to help others.
The second driver was curiosity. As the artists were being invited, there was very little information about the details other than recording a song to raise money and that other people were participating. Our internal makeup is to be curious about things and wonder. The mystery around the project was intriguing. The artists were willing to trust the producers and show up.
The third motivation was wanting to be a part of something and be in community with others. Science has proven that relationships and community are key to our overall longevity and well-being. It was an honor for each of these artists to be invited, and nobody wanted to miss out! In other words, the FOMO was real!
This is what got the artists in the room. We can apply this to any project in business. How do you get your team in the room? What are the drivers and motivators that lead the team to success? Do they include purpose, curiosity, and relationship?
This is only the beginning of the story. There was also an awareness of the personalities that were going to walk in the room. Each artist was incredibly successful in their own careers. How do you take a group of individual contributors and ask them to be team players? There was one request and a sign posted above the door of the studio:
“Leave your ego at the door.”
This happens to be consistent with one of our fundamental principles: “Give up the need to be right.” The studio was full of creative, talented musicians who were being asked to trust the process and follow along. Can you imagine how difficult and frustrating it must have been for some not to give their input? This is what happens in business daily. Alignment is not about agreement but about what is best for the overall success of any project. This leads us right back to purpose and offering context to help individuals refocus on the big picture.
In the beginning of the night, there was lots of tension and apprehension. So, one of the producers had someone speak about the plight in Africa and what could be possible with the success of this project. It changed the energy in the room, and by the morning, there was a different energy altogether. There was connection, laughter, and focus.
Aside from the incredible financial success the project accomplished, there was something more profound that was revealed.
In the end, there was a deep level of connection, respect, and admiration between the artists. As the lights were dimming and the microphones were turned off, there was the sound of someone crying. It was Diana Ross, who said she was sad because she didn’t want the experience to end.
It’s a reminder that we will achieve some things and maybe fail at some things. Ultimately, what we are left with is the journey that got us through. More times than not, we will feel the success of things when we remember our purpose, and we do better with a “we” mindset vs. a “me” mindset. The rest always seems to fall into place.
Sometimes we are the producers and directors, and sometimes we are the singers. How we choose to participate can make all the difference in the outcome. What does it take for us to practice humility and check our egos at the door? I know it can be so difficult for me. I’m working on warming up my vocal cords! 😊
We got this!
Martha Lynn
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