Bono has described this value as a desire to achieve the band’s potential. The band values excellence in the music it produces and in its concert performances. Bono has described himself as a traveling salesman of ideas within songs. U2’s songs address themes the band members believe are important such as human rights, social justice and matters of faith. Bono calls it “the spark.” He feels it sets U2 apart from many other bands. While you might expect a band’s mission is to achieve commercial success measured by #1 hits and concert attendance, U2’s mission is to improve the world through its music and influence. The members of U2 share a vision of their mission and values. Communicate an inspiring vision (this creates shared identity) Here are several aspects of U2’s culture that standout. He has described the band as more of an organism than an organization. Bono has said that the way U2 functions is even more extraordinary than the band’s music. Let’s look at the three elements of Vision, Value and Voice, and how they help create the shared identity, empathy and understanding that connects the members of U2 and provides the foundation for the band’s connection culture. A connection culture provides five benefits to organizational performance (see sidebar), which, taken together, add up to a powerful source of competitive advantage. An easy way to remember this is: Vision + Value + Voice = Connection. When people feel these connections, they thrive, individually and collectively, and are more resilient when coping with the inevitable challenges and stress in work and life.Ī connection culture is created when leaders communicate an inspiring vision, value people and give them a voice. In this type of culture, most people describe feeling connected to their supervisor, their colleagues, their work and the people whom the group serves. The best culture we discovered is a connection culture. Both cultures of control and cultures of indifference make people feel unsupported, left out and lonely. The second is a “culture of indifference,” in which most people feel that those they work with don’t care about them personally and merely see them as means to an end. The first is the “culture of control.” In this culture, most people feel controlled by one of more of the following: autocratic leaders, micromanagement, too many rules and/or bureaucracy. Our research revealed that there are three types of cultures to be aware of. Language is the words people use to describe their thoughts and feelings. When my colleagues and I set out to make culture clear so leaders could become more intentional about designing and maintaining a healthy culture, we came up with this simple definition:Ĭulture is the predominant attitudes, language and behavior of a group.Īttitudes are the ways people think and feel that affect behavior. Is there a best team culture?Ĭulture is a vague concept to most leaders. One key to U2’s success is its internal culture. Understanding how U2 has thrived for so long provides insight into the factors that make teams of all types and sizes thrive. How have the original members of U2 stayed together and the band remained relevant for this long when most bands are fortunate to survive a single decade? All the signs indicate that U2 is at the top of its game and will be going strong for the foreseeable future. Now in its fifth decade, critics still rave about U2’s music and fans worldwide can’t seem to get enough of its songs and concert appearances. The wonder is that U2 has gone on to receive 22 Grammy awards, more than any band in history, and has the highest revenue-generating concert tour. In the early days, it was not unusual for the band to be booed and laughed at. The band members have known each other since they were teenagers in Dublin. U2 is composed of lead singer Bono, lead guitar player “Edge,” bass guitar player Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr.

The band has had a phenomenal run since it came together in the mid-1970s.

This week, U2 releases its 14th studio album, “Songs of Experience.” (Image credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

U2 members