Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own

One of Hill’s critical outcomes from those interviews was his promotion of the Master Mind Principle, the idea that two or more heads are better than one. This concept leverages the power of collective thinking, where a group supports each other by collaborating and advising the best solution to participants’ issues to enable success.

In 2001 the band Metallica faced internal conflicts and issues with alcohol and substance abuse. Their bassist left and their album ‘St Anger’ was postponed for a year while vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield went into rehab. They employed coach Phil Towle to support them in finishing the album and moving forward as a united band. The whole process was captured in a film named Some Kind Of Monster. “Without a doubt, Phil is the man who saved Metallica” – Joe Berlinger, director of Some Kind of Monster.

That coaching intervention resulted in improved band dynamics, personal growth relating to alcohol and substance abuse and a renewed purpose that sees the band still touring and succeeding 20 years later. A pretty good return on investment!

In my experience, many leaders believe that it’s part of their role to be the wise one, the expert and achieve everything alone.

U2 sang:

Tough, You think you’ve got the stuff
You’re telling me and anyone
You’re hard enough

In my coaching work with entrepreneurs and leaders in music, sport and other industries, clients are often surprised by the power of not having to do it alone. The opportunity to confidentially offload, reflect, share and process the multiple challenges and opportunities they face can be a liberating experience. Sharing with a non-judgemental ‘other’ who is willing to challenge and support them and speak truth to power often results in a substantial ‘growth leap’. As a result, they achieve external success and better understand not only who they are but also their choices in life and work.

My book idea with Sir Richard Branson didn’t go further, but with the help of my coach and artist manager, Kerry Harvey-Piper, I’ve now produced a different one.

U2 again:

Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don’t have to go it alone

I couldn’t agree more.