How to Quit Dancing Around Awkward Moments

The dance.

Bon Jovi is in the midst of nine shows at Madison Square Garden, after not touring since 2022.

That break followed serious vocal cord problems for frontman Jon Bon Jovi that threatened his iconic voice.

Last year, I saw Jon Bon Jovi on a news program talking about risky surgery and his tedious daily exercises.

He spoke of the physical pain and the emotions of not knowing if a comeback was possible. 😯

Critics and fans hadn't minced words a few years ago: Bon Jovi's strained and raspy voice was shot.

His bandmates tried to cover, but couldn't.

With all eyes and ears on Jon Bon Jovi, the band takes to the stage on opening night.

Surrounded by his bandmates, Bon Jovi sings the first few lines from Joe Cocker and the Beatles' song, With a Little Help From My Friends.

🎶The opening words boldly and wholeheartedly address the elephant in the room:

"What would you think if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me? Lend me your ears, and I'll sing you a song, and I'll try not to sing out of key. Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends..."

One critic describes the moment as triumphant.

The 64-year-old Bon Jovi sheds his tough-guy rock-and-roll image and bares all.

➡️What does this mean for business?

It means the same courage applies when work gets uncomfortable.

Too many of us are dancing around sensitive and critical problems — the elephant in the room:

🚩The monotone thought leader who bores others in client-facing meetings

🚩The skilled engineer who struggles to summarize a multi-million dollar glitch

🚩The new project manager who hides behind their phone despite having the solution to the challenge

Leaders who encourage teams to candidly share perspectives without being judged or penalized create psychological safety, where honest, empathetic conversations help the organization reach higher levels. 🎯

Jon Bon Jovi had the courage to say what he knew the world was thinking:
Yes, he had been singing off-key. Yes, the guys had been trying to help him.

But could he return stronger than ever, or was his legendary run stalling before our eyes?

He danced on stage for over 2 hours, and he refused to dance around the elephant in the room.

Jon Bon Jovi sang his heart out.

How about you?

What needs to be addressed so you can be triumphant?