Growing up in Baltimore, one of my childhood highlights was to go to Ringling Brothers Circus with my grandfather. He always treated us to front row seats so we could enjoy every aspect of the excitement and the acts. Of course, being small, my experience included not only the whiffs of the elephants, lions, dogs and sawdust, but seeing how hard each performer worked to make their act seem effortless. I concluded, at this early age, that all one needed in life was a unique act that provided a service whether it’s entertainment or a business venture and is bookended with the cheer … Taaa…Daaa…!
Recently, I treated myself to another circus experience with a wonderful European-style troupe that passes through Santa Barbara annually called Circus Vargas. European circuses, compared to my earlier Ringling Brothers experiences, are as different as a cappuccino in Milan to a cuppa from a fast food drive through.
Each act at Circus Vargas was performed by a family from Italy, to Eastern Europe to France, some 5th generation proudly carrying forward their family legacies and talent. No more sawdust and animals, here were incredible acts that awed every person in attendance and brought excitement and laughter to all there, from babies to boomers. From the high flying acrobats to saxophone playing clowns who could raise harmonies of foot stomping cheers to balancing acts that seemed to defy gravity, the audience was provided a safe sanctuary void of the daily conflicts and upsets, providing the therapy of happiness needed by all.
The highlight of my attendance at Circus Vargas was spending time with the Ringmaster, Jonathan, after the performance to learn how his management of this complex organizational phenomenon could be applied to business. Not only was his leadership impressive, but his operatic voice that evolved from his youth in the Harlem Boys Choir to the highest voice training, lifted the hearts of all in attendance.
My questions were endless and his patience and thoughtful responses validated that business truly is a circus and the lessons from each are interchangeable and profoundly valuable.
My favorite wisdoms he shared are:
- Ringmasters and business owners build their acts on trust – trust of the audience and/or end consumer to be willing to experience new things; trust from the performers and/or team that they will have the time, support, and location to demonstrate their skills; trust that the leadership will provide a future of opportunity; and trust that each will be acknowledged for their contribution to the performance through the elation of the audience.
- Ringmasters and business owners provide a unique sphere of safety and welcomeness – allowing any and all to participate whether as consumers or as contributors, giving each the permission to get lost in an experience and a bit of magic, whether through observation as an audience or through usage or experience as a consumer. Likely none of us truly understand how our cell phones work or how our food is raised or how to swing through the air to be caught by your partner on the swinging trapeze, but we can experience it with happiness and satisfaction.
- Ringmasters and business owners are a conduit, not a boss. Grounded in their authority and expertise, they perceive the future, organize the energies of production and teams, and have the confront and care to step in if a disaster or challenge occur, all while maintaining the fantasy that is done with ease and grace.
- For Ringmasters as well as business owners, there is no room for mediocrity because the whiners and complainers interfere with the success of the others. And the pure joy of those who relish in the experience far surpasses the noise.
And yes, the show must go on.
Life (and business), like the circus, is all about knowing your act and performing with joy and expertise, and when you get to the end, be able to proudly stand up and go Taaa…Daaa.
– Gillian
