Conversations in Management

Francis Scott Key
	Does not such a country, and such defenders of their country, deserve a song?

There’s something oddly appealing in the idea that someone might “deserve a song.” Key was, of course, talking about the defenders of the United States in Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. He had been detained by the British and watched the bombardment from a small boat in Baltimore’s harbor when by the dawn’s early light, he saw that that the flag—water logged and somewhat worse for the wear—still clung tenaciously to Ft. McHenry’s flagpole. As had happened so often in the past, America had beaten the odds and the British. Inspired, he feverishly penned the words to what would soon be known as The Star-Spangled Banner.

At the time, Key was a highly regarded Washington D.C. attorney who had gained national attention when he successfully defended Aaron Burr against charges of treason. But Key had an artistic flair as well. He began writing poetry while courting his future wife, Polly. After their marriage, he continued writing for Polly, later wrote verse for his children and ultimately authored several hymns for the Episcopal Church. It’s not surprising, then, that his pen was at the ready when patriotic fervor swept over him at the sight of Old Glory still flying on the morning of September 14, 1814.

But the poet Key, didn’t think the occasion deserved a poem, he thought it deserved a song. And a rousing song is just what Key picked for The Star Spangled Banner. Originally, the tune was the theme song of London’s Anacreontic Club.  Titled, To Anacreon in Heaven, the song celebrated the club’s commitment to fine food, drink, music and love. Key set his verse to it and the rest is history. (One shudders to think what sporting events and occasions of state would be like today if The Beer Barrel Polka or Turkey in the Straw had been rattling around his brain that fateful day!)

Key knew that a song can move people to laughter, tears, melancholy or have them on their feet cheering in just a few stanzas. It can almost instantly unite strangers in a mood of solidarity, commitment and good will. A song can make the spirit soar and make people believe that they are truly in “it” together. And so, Key linked his national pride and passionate love of country to the most popular drinking song of the day. Profound commitment meets raucous celebration.

And that’s just what leaders often forget to do today. Too often we grimly ask our people to soldier on—to make it happen—despite shortages of human and material resources. As time pressures build, everything becomes a priority. There is no back burner. What’s more, between cell phones, pagers and email there’s not even a temporary escape from new demands and deadlines.

But this is why people deserve a song. They need it. To succeed in our challenging environment, folks have to believe that they are part of something bigger than themselves.  They need to feel a part of the team. They need a sense of family and of fun. They need the ability to laugh in the midst of the madness. As a leader, only you can make that happen. Then, like the Americans at Fort McHenry, your team will beat the odds for you. And they’ll deserve a song for it!                                            

—Ebert

Building Teams That Work!