This message isn’t just for superstars.
In the final preparations for the “We Are The World” recording session, Quincy Jones hung a poster saying “CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR” for all the superstar singers and musicians to see as they entered the recording studio. It was part of a strategy to make sure that they focused on the music, which was more important than any of them.
The thing is, we can all risk putting ego ahead of music, and music always suffers when we let our ego run unchecked. I can remember numerous times when someone in an ensemble I was leading (sometimes me!) let their ego undermine the music’s success.
When we can remember to check our egos and serve the music, the music wins. And when the music wins, we all win.
The best way to reward your ego is to check it at the door.