This was the title of a Time mag article describing Rick Rubin, 43 years old, a big, affable, laid-back, big-bearded guy described as a ZZTop type, he's riding a major wave of success. He is currently the biggest-by-far producer of hit albums in the world including almost everyone who's hit it big lately and includes a number of artists and groups whose work I am totally unfamiliar with. He's almost a cert to win the Grammy for Best Producer.
I love reading success stories, but when the guy seems like a truly nice guy, I like it even better. More than that, this is a guy who has a different style! While some others will pressure artists to perform even at 'gun-point' (believe it or not!), Rubin believes in approaching things from the entirely human point of view. He talks to his artists, believes in them, treats them as he would any human being and says,
'I don't see what's so difficult about this job'!
What does it entail after all?!
Making sure that very talented people produce what they do best!
Aha! Therein lies the secret. His genius....managing people....
They're all just people, with insecurities and baggage and all kind of stuff (especially these artists, can you just imagine!) They need encouragement, a sympathetic ear, a genuine interest in who they are and what they have to offer.
And so with the education of our children and so with our employees, co-workers, employers, students and even so with our spouses. Are you listening? Are you showing respect? Are you being considerate of where they're coming from?
That's how we manage people, children, friends and family...
3 cheers to him and may he go from strength to strength and make lots of money...and us too.
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