Five Things We Can Learn From David

Bowie
From heartfelt editorials to impromptu vigils on the streets of Brixton, tributes to the
late David Bowie have been rich in number and variety. Understandably, most of the
eulogies have focused on the singers contribution to the music industry, his
uncanny ability to reinvent himself and remain relevant through the course of his
more than five-decade career.
As a cultural icon, Bowies place in the pantheon is secure, with artists as diverse as
Lady Gaga, Ricky Gervais and Chuck Palahniuk all citing him as a major influence.
Innovative, daring and fiercely determined to go his own way, his legacy lies in the
back catalogue he leaves behind: a well from which aspiring musicians will continue
to draw in the years to come.

While the lessons young artists can learn from David Bowie should be plain to see,
the Thin White Duke also has much to teach those in the world of business. Here
are five of the traits that contributed to his lasting success:

Innovation
In the way he dressed, in the musical choices he made, in the personae he adopted
on stage, David Bowie was never afraid to be different. Where others would have
chosen to rest on their laurels, Bowie repeatedly sought to take his work in a new
direction and to challenge himself creatively.

Tip: Rather than merely reacting to changes in your industry, think about the ways
in which you, your team and organisation can stay ahead of the curve. Conduct
forecasting exercises to predict future trends and set aside time for regular
brainstorming sessions with your team. Also monitor and listen closely to
customer feedback - innovative ideas can often come from those who use your
products and services.

Collaboration
One of the most remarkable things about David Bowies career was the range and
scope of his collaborations with other artists. Teaming up with the likes of Brian Eno,
Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and many more, he recognised that the creative process is often
at its most fruitful when ideas can be shared and refined as part of a group.

Tip: Whether it comes to working more closely with other departments or involving
third-party organisations in large projects, think about how collaboration can help
you improve your existing practices. At the same time, be selective about the
people you choose to work with, and dont be afraid to turn down proposed
collaborations if you think they will dilute the value of your products and services.
According to frequent Bowie-collaborator Mike Garson, He [Bowie] knew who to pick
to work with, and he knew if he got out of the way and let them do their thing, hed
get the best out of them. [1]

Adaptability
On those rare occasions when Bowie wasnt the one spearheading change in the
music industry, he was always quick to adapt, embracing the opportunities afforded
by advances in technology. Before many corporations had cottoned on to the
potential of the internet, the singer had launched his own Internet Service Provider
(BowieNet), designed primarily as a platform through which his fans could access
content and exchange ideas.

Tip: Keep one eye on the horizon, and be prepared to adopt new technologies
and working practices that could enhance the productivity and engagement of your
team. Try to regard developments that challenge your business model as
opportunities for growth rather than threats that need to be combated. In other
words, turn and face the strange.

Commercial awareness
Although he gave the impression of being someone who would have ploughed his

own furrow at any cost, Bowie was (latterly, at least) profoundly aware of his own
commercial value. Together with investment banker David Pullman, he developed
so-called Bowie Bonds in the late nineties: asset-backed securities that yielded a
return based on royalties generated by his back catalogue.

Tip: Develop a solid understanding of the industry in which your organisation

operates and the market value of its products and services. Keep track of changes
in the economic and technological environment that could lead to new commercial
opportunities.

Self-belief
At the height of his popularity in the early seventies, Bowie killed off the persona of
Ziggy Stardust: a pattern he would repeat with Aladdin Sane and the Thin White
Duke. Stubbornly refusing to become predictable, the story of his career is one of
calculated risk-taking and an unshakable faith in his own artistic vision.

Tip: Dont be afraid to challenge established ideas and practices if you think
improvements can be made. Be prepared to stand up for what you believe in, but
also have the courage to admit when youre wrong.
[1] Jeff Slate, Davis Bowies bandmates explain just how he got them to sound like
that. Available at: http://qz.com/595259/david-bowies-bandmates-explain-just-howhe-got-them-to-sound-like-that/ (accessed 20 January 2016).

Panel image credit: Adam Bielawski via Wikimedia Commons (accessed 21

January 2016).

Bowie & Cher image credit: in the public domain (accesed 21 January 2016).
Mural image credit: Flickr user Marcin Cajzer (accesed 21 January 2016).