What Companies Can Learn from Broadway

As a labor lawyer, I have spent most of my professional career supporting, working for or with companies. I would like to believe that I understand the dynamics, structures and practices of corporate entities (and have the empty Tequila and Tylenol bottles to prove it).

Recently, I was fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to oversee Labor Relations for The Broadway League, the wonderful multi-employer association that represents the theatre owners, producers, general managers, individuals and entities associated with the “management” side of Broadway shows.

Transitioning from the traditional world of corporate policies, earnings announcements and product management to a world of entertainment and art has been dramatic and exciting. Most surprising to me, though, was how many of Broadway’s (“BW”) practices could be favorably adopted by the corporate world (“CW”):

1)    The Show Must Go On: History is filled with exotic tales of understudies coming in to save the day or cast members overcoming adversity to make sure that their production goes on as always.  In the corporate world, one cannot allow a couple of setbacks to derail an initiative. Lost your graphics design person before a big pitch?... discover one that may be hidden amongst your current staff. Got underbid by a competitor? …You have two choices: 1) Match the price and try to make up for the delta of difference, with more business later or 2) add more bells and whistles, service/product warranties, etc. to provide value.

(Personal note: I was once scheduled to be a keynote speaker at a corporate event 15 miles from my house. At mile 8, my car hit a pothole, flew through the air and landed on one tire that actually exploded from the impact. With only 3 tires functioning, the clock ticking and no answer in sight….I drove the remaining 7 miles on, yes, 3 wheels. Sure, my rim was completely destroyed and my alignment discombobulated…but I miraculously made it to the venue in the nick of time, walked on stage and delivered my presentation). The Show Must Go On.

See “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from Gypsy.

2)    Commit All of The Way: Even where a storyline or song may be strange or unbelievable, BW actors and singers lean in all of the way. They are the best in the world in energetically “selling” their role and their character’s point of view, while on stage. 

Too often, in CW, project participants or committee brain-stormers are reluctant to stand fully behind their own ideas or work product or end up acquiescing to the dominating and negative personalities of others. Own your ideas, sell like there is no tomorrow and believe what you are saying. See “Don’t Rain On My Parade” (Funny Girl)

3)    Diversity-Viva La Difference: Some of the greatest Broadway successes were composed of diverse characters working together towards attaining a mutually beneficial goal (See Hair, Head Over Heels, Rent).  

Teams lacking in diversity tend to think in only one, linear manner. Individuals with different backgrounds, demographics and experiences create a mosaic of ideas…ideas that can actually move an organization forward in an unpredictably wonderful manner. Further, the perspectives and thought processes such teammates learn from one another is invaluable.

See “Getting To Know You” (The King & I)

4)    There Are No Small Parts: Broadway stars Bernadette Peters, Bebe Neuwirth and Sutton Foster were all once understudies, perhaps even playing “Tree Number 3” in various productions. But, they knew that they were making a contribution and were ready to go when the big call came in. 

All corporate team members need to know their role and how they are supporting the goal or strategy, even if they are in, what looks like to themselves and others, a bit part. Tiger Woods without the right caddie, and Jimmy Page without the right Bass player, might not have become the success story that we know and admire.

Educate and motivate your team members to perform their role, no matter how small, with passion, flawlessness and engagement.

See “You Gotta have Heart” (Damn Yankees)

5)    Body Language & Voice:  Watching Glenda Jackson, Nathan Lane or Mandy Patinkin on stage is like attending a “Master Class” in acting. They use posture, arm movement, facial expression and their voice to let their audiences better understand and appreciate their character, nuances and the plot.

Too often, one can find leaders relying solely on the content of their message, without any thought to non-verbal communication or the remotest variance in their pitch, pentameter or inflection. That’s a big mistake. Body language and vocal range can add significant color, drama and resonance to corporate messaging and they are two of the most underutilized tools in the corporate world.

See “Put On A Happy Face” (Bye Bye Birdie)

So, while no one expects you to channel your inner Grizabella, put on a cat suit and sing “Memory” around the company water cooler, I believe that there is a great deal to learn from Broadway that can be applied to your corporate existence. 

Who knows? Maybe the next standing ovation will be for you!

See “Razzle Dazzle” (Chicago)