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Writer's picturePriscila Z Vendramini Mezzena

Project and Leadership Learnings from "We Are the World"

Updated: Apr 10

As we delve into leadership and project management, the recording of "We Are the World" emerges as a significant testament to the potential of visionary collaboration. The documentary "The Greatest Night in Pop," available on Netflix , provides an insight into the creation of this historic charity single, showcasing the unity of diverse talents for a common humanitarian purpose. Featuring legends such as Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Cindy Lauper, and Stevie Wonder, this initiative raised over $80 million (equivalent to $160 million today) for Africa.


Inspired by Band Aid, Harry Belafonte, a musician and activist, conceived the idea of uniting artists for this humanitarian cause. Lionel Richie was the first artist enlisted for this mission and is the documentary's narrator. The song was written by Lionel and Michael Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones alongside Michael Omartian. Recorded and released in 1985, "We Are the World" was a pioneering effort to rally superstars for African humanitarian aid, setting a benchmark for future initiatives.


Organizing 40 super vocalists in one studio following the American Music Awards (AMAs) night posed an immense challenge. However, the insights gained from this effort provide profound leadership and project management lessons. Here are a few of them:


Preparation

The writers, producers, and specialists diligently worked to perfect the demo, distributed it to the artists, and arranged the participants' voices, ensuring everything was set for the ambitious recording within tight constraints.


Constraints

Considering the limitation of a single night for recording, the project showcased a "live or let die" ethos, capturing the collective energy and talent of the group within a limited timeframe.


Team Agreements

Quincy Jones set a clear expectation at the studio's entrance with a sign stating, "Check your ego at the door," emphasizing humility and collaboration among high-profile personalities.


Purpose

Bob Geldof, one of the founders of Band Aid, was invited by Quincy Jones to give the first words to the group of artists. Having recently returned from Ethiopia, Geldof's presence and insights reinforced the project's purpose, underlining the significance of a united vision to motivate and guide the team.


Leadership

Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones demonstrated exemplary leadership, balancing directive and supportive roles to keep morale high and navigate challenges effectively. Their understanding of each singer's capabilities, like achieving high notes and harmonies, highlighted Quincy's adeptness at maximizing each member's contribution to an outstanding result.


Removing Roadblocks

The project underscored the importance of adaptability and problem-solving in overcoming inevitable hurdles, ranging from technical glitches to personal dynamics.


Team Support

The encouragement Stevie Wonder offered Bob Dylan exemplified the necessity of empathy and teamwork in bolstering confidence and performance among stars.


Team Development Stages

The documentary depicted the team's progression from forming to the performing stage. Leadership by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie was crucial in focusing on the goal, adhering to deadlines, and achieving an exceptional outcome.


Divergence and Convergence

Effective leadership facilitated productive discussions amidst creative differences, balancing input with decisiveness and encouraging superstars to engage and share their perspectives on musical decisions.


Humor and Enjoyment

The project highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive and creative atmosphere through humor, even in challenging situations. For example, a funny incident occurred when background noise during Cindy Lauper's performance was traced back to her numerous necklaces.


Opportunities and Belief

The varying decisions of artists to participate illustrated the critical nature of seizing opportunities and believing in the project's value despite doubts.


Acknowledgement and Emotional Intelligence

The mutual respect among participants and Lionel Richie's commitment post-AMAs underscored the role of emotional intelligence and acknowledgment in fostering team dynamics.


Celebration and Release

The worldwide release and accolades for "We Are the World" emphasized the value of celebrating achievements and sharing success globally.


The recording journey of "We Are the World" goes beyond its musical and humanitarian impact legacy, delivering enduring lessons in leadership, teamwork, and purpose-driven initiatives. This documentary evokes emotion and heightens the appreciation for the collective endeavor behind "We Are the World," affirming the power of collaboration and music to unite and heal. May this project inspire many more initiatives aimed at lofty and noble causes.





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