2 Lessons We Can Learn from Wavy Gravy

Q: How can/do you inspire action and loyalty with your audiences by knowing and engaging them in your journey?

Wavy Gravy (aka Hugh Romney) is the peace-loving hippie commune leader brought in to provide security for Woodstock in 1969. His approach in leading his followers and his “Please Force” at Woodstock illustrate two lessons we might all benefit from considering.

Lesson #1: Inspire action and loyalty by sharing a life-changing vision. The Hog Farm, the commune founded by Hugh in the ‘60s, has morphed over the decades, but is the longest-running commune in the U.S. This kind of sustainability only happens when we share a vision others can buy into, then see results from.

Lesson #2: Know and engage your audience. Wavy Gravy knew the attendees at Woodstock were there to escape reality and have a good time. They didn’t need police. They needed someone to say “please” in soliciting everyone’s assistance in maintaining order.

I can only imagine the clash that may have erupted between iron-fisted law enforcement officers and this anti-establishment group if traditional policing had spearheaded security at the festival. It could have been monumentally historic—and not in a good way.

So…how can/do you inspire action and loyalty with your audiences by knowing and engaging them in your journey? Discover how at bwpope.com/secretdoor

Pushing Ahead "As If"

It’s easy to get caught in the trap of feeling we need “more” (of something) before we can move forward.

People who make amazing things happen aren’t smarter than you. They don’t have “more.”

They simply see what they want and act “as if” it is already their reality—as if they have the answers. And, very often, making that move becomes self-fulfilling prophesy.

I’m not suggesting careless maneuvers here; rather an exercise to get you into the mode of consistently acting on the best information and insights you have. You’ll find—often—that the “more” you were seeking comes into view with your next move. And, as long as your moves are not drastic, the chances of irreparable missteps are relatively small.

Here’s a small step you can take in a few short minutes to help you live the full vision you have for yourself and your company.