I listened to the entire new album Songs of Innocence by U2 this morning while on the treadmill. (It’s exactly 48 minutes – a cool number and great for a workout). As I was listening I remembered a significant U2 event from a few years back. On June 6th, 2001, during the NBA finals halftime in Philadelphia, the video 
feed went live to a U2 concert in Boston. The NBA had asked Bono to do a setup at the exact moment they would switch the feed to the concert.
Without even consulting the rest of the U2 members, Bono refused – saying they have always been loyal to their fans and they would not alter the concert. If the NBA wanted to drop in, that was fine but it would just be wherever they happened to be in the concert.
And here’s what happened. The cameras switched to the concert just as they were doing the musical introduction to Where the Streets Have no Name. Bono was on his knees on the stage reciting this from the Bible:
What can I give back to God
for the blessings he’s poured out on me?
I’ll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God!
I’ll pray in the name of God;
I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do,
and I’ll do it together with his people. Psalms 116: 12-14 (MSG)
An accident – probably not. What a powerful message to the world. I’m working on a new book with the working title – Sealed With a Handshake, in which I’ll be identifying the characteristics that very successful businesses have in common. And it’s not fancy technology, or whiz-bang social media. Rather, it’s honesty, integrity and uncompromising values.
Would you compromise your values for a few more Twitter followers, Facebook friends, blog readers or podcast listeners? What message do people see, hear and feel from your life and business?
Dan,
POWERFUL post!!!! The core stuff is really the stuff that matters, not the fluff stuff around it.
I never had heard this story about Bono before – very cool!
Thank you for your leadership.
Jen
Jen,
Yeah – sometimes we are quick to generalize about groups, nationalities and races. Going a little deeper often reveals similar cores.
Dan,
I believe this to be one of your best post. I’m confident that honesty, integrity and a moral compass is the absolute essentials for a great business.
Aaron – thanks so much. You’re a great example of uncompromising values.
This brings up a few different thoughts.
– The audience could be let know ahead of time and had the enjoyment of being included in the video.
– As you said, this was not an “accident” in timing. The band figured that they had a bigger message they wanted to share.
To go along with your question, I think of Andy Andrews’ message(s). Having his How Do You Kill 11 Million People? book, there is that strong message of seeking truth and meeting at that topic.
I want to have more unity when I converse with friends and such and am learning to maneuver certain topics.
Note: The links in the blog opens in this window instead of another one.
Thanks for your comments.
I love U2 so applaud Bono and am pleased he had such high values and used them to his benefit with others. having values is easy if you stick to them. part of being honest is keeping to those words. what are we if we talk but do not act. if fair and honest. there is no reason to doubt
Vincenzo – so true. If was have clear values, most decisions are pretty easy.
That brought tears to my eyes, today. Thanks for posting. What will I render to God? I will do what He has called and equipped me to do – without compromise.