Leadership Capacities

Bono’s leadership is much more than his music. His dedication to change in third world countries is laudable. He believes that by “persuading developed nations to help lift 1 billion people out of extreme poverty” the world can become a better place (Tyrangiel, 1995). In March of 2002, Bono along with Bob Geldof, Bobby Shriver, Jamie Drummond and Lucy Matthew joined forces to combat world hunger and disease. They formed the advocacy group named; DATA (debt, AIDS, trade, Africa). The humanitarian assistance DATA has developed demonstrates Bono’s moral capacity as a leader.

For Bono, the moral obligation isn’t enough. He believes in the change and has exemplified the change process in his effort to attack this world problem. John Kotter believes that the first step to change is building a sense of urgency (1995). Bono has shared data from Africa about the crisis with world leaders to establish this urgency. The formation of his advocacy group, DATA is evidence to support his effort to create a guiding coalition that is focused on his vision and mission of aiding third world countries. Through his concerts, summits and music, Bono has shared his vision that empowers action. The results of his labor are already tremendous as he has unified and organized many celebrities and world leaders to support his mission. With work still to do, Bono’s ability to utilize the change process exemplifies his leadership success.

The lead singer of U2 knows he can not accomplish this task alone. He has worked diligently to build relationships with world leaders and organizations. In January of 2008 DATA merged with fellow grass roots organization, ONE. This merge combined the political advocacy of DATA with the large, grass roots following of ONE. Now titled, ONE this bond proved fruitful in a very short period of time. With over 2 million members the organization stands a strong presence in the fight against world disease and hunger. Bono’s decision making and ability to build relationships models for others the extent of his leadership capacity.

Bono’s organization believes in knowledge building and sharing. ONE has created an extensive system for sharing. Through the use of media and technology this organization communicates its message. Twitter, You Tube, My Space and Facebook are all directly linked to the organization, serving as a social outlet to communicate and share their message ("One," 2009). ONE is unifying advocacy groups, social media, political campaigns and world leaders to fight world hunger and disease. Through his development, Bono demonstrates coherence making at a very high capacity level. Bono has proved through his fight against world hunger and disease that he is a great leader for change.

Kotter, J. (1995). Leading change. Boston, MA: Harvard Buisness School Press.
One. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.one.org/us/
Tyrangiel , J. (1995, December 19). The Constant charmer. Time, 166(25).

Bono's Leadership Qualities

Bono has demonstrated leadership qualities on and off stage. Following his music and life over the last 20 years I have found him best represented as a promoter and supporter.

Using his musical career to improve humanity, Bono has demonstrated many characteristics of a promoter. Watching U2 on stage, I found his stage presence warm and persuasive. His calculated rhythms and amazing ability to communicate messages through his lyrics allows him to command and promote his message. His music is creative and his concerts are imaginative. Currently U2 is on their 360 degree tour. This tour has progressed concert expectations as they are selling out stadiums across the globe with record attendance. Following Bono for so long I have found it really difficult to determine if his music leads the message or his message leads the music. Regardless of which it is his ability to promote both is astounding.

As much as Bono promotes his message and music he is also a great supporter. He is willing to take direction as he has in Africa. U2 has donated over 6 million dollars to eliminate poverty in Africa. His willingness to take clear direction is certainly agreeable to others as is the band’s countless other efforts (Jackson, 2003). From AIDS to eliminating world hunger, Bono gives to put others at ease.

Combining his ability to promote with his supportive attribute, Bono and his band U2 have redefined philanthropy. Their strong humanitarian nature has made him a positive, well respective leader of the world.

Jackson, L. (2003). Bono: His Life, Music, and Passions. Citadel: New York.

Leading Through Lyrics

Paul David Hewson, famously known as “Bono” is the lead singer of the mega band U2. Born on May 10, 1960 Bono has used his musical talent as a vehicle to become a world leader. Personally writing lyrics for almost all of his songs, Bono has used his music to speak politically, socially and spiritually.

One of U2’s most famous songs Sunday Bloody Sunday, Bono speaks politically to the necessity of peace in Ireland. Despite the violent sounding title, the song denounces the senseless killing of innocent citizens by the Irish Republican Army. Bono is very courageous to challenge the leadership of his home country by writing and performing this song.

In another example, the song Pride honors the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. The lyrics state, “Free at last, but they could not take your life - they could not take your pride!” Bono shows compassion, respect and honor for a fellow leader who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Citing one final example from U2’s Joshua Tree album, the song titled I Still Haven’t Found What I am Looking For, Bono appears to speak spiritually of his quest to discover god. His deep meaning lyrics, connected to key historic events challenge his audience not only to hear the music but to ponder his message. U2’s leadership goes well beyond the music.

Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 09:44 PM, February 17, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bono#Humanitarian_work