CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsJun 13, 2017
Squirrel Spotting: Be Like The Boss
Peter Smith shares what he learned about great leaders from reading the autobiography of a legendary Boss, Bruce Springsteen.
Peter Smith has more than 30 years of experience building wholesale and retail sales teams. He currently is president of Vibhor Gems.
I recently read Bruce Springsteen’s very good book “Born To Run.” It’s almost sacrilegious to say it, but I’ve never been a huge fan of his music, being more of an Elvis, Sinatra and Beatles guy. That said, I’ve always been drawn to him as someone who exudes real passion, authenticity and a work ethic to die for.
His autobiography is a fascinating and worthwhile read, and it did nothing to dispel the attributes that I already had ascribed to The Boss.
It’s probably not news to his legions of fans, but it became patently obvious to me in reading his book that Springsteen, despite never having a “real job” in his life, is clearly not only a working man’s rocker and poet, but a great leader too. Far from locking himself behind high gates in Memphis or Palm Springs, Bruce seems to be somehow infinitely more accessible than other storied musicians and celebrities.
I loved a story I heard a year or two ago about Bruce walking through Boston’s Public Gardens.
He happened upon a busker and he asked if he could borrow his guitar for a bit. After playing a few tunes, he apologized for not having any cash on him (think about the gift he had already given that busker!) and went on his way. A short while later, Springsteen returned with some cash and tipped the busker.
As I was reading Bruce’s book, I happened upon the following passage and, if you’ll forgive the pun, it really struck a chord with me.
He wrote: “I’ve always believed the E Street Band’s continued existence--and it’s now been 40-plus years since its inception--is partially due to the fact that there was little to no role confusion amongst its members. Everyone knew their job, their boundaries, their blessings and limitations. My bandmates were not always happy with the decisions I made and may have been angered by some of them, but nobody debated my right to make them. Clarity ruled and allowed us to forge a bond based on the principle that we worked together, but it was my band.”
Some people may read that and see a self-absorbed egomaniac telling everyone that the ball is his and they can find another game if they don’t like it. I read it and loved every typed word. I thought that it was a brilliant reflection on why Bruce Springsteen
has been so successful and why, despite many upheavals in his long career, he reigns today as one of the greats of music, irrespective of genre.
That one paragraph sums up so brilliantly why some leaders are successful and why so many are not.
Whether a company finds itself riding the crest of a wave or knee-deep in horse manure, what is always required from the leader is absolute clarity and conviction of purpose. It is not his or her job to tell tall tales or make excuses (anyone paying attention at United Airlines?) but to chart a clear course and to communicate that direction, unambiguously, throughout the organization. Clarity and consistency of message ought to be the minimum standard for a leader and, yet, it is so often lacking.
In the HBR book “On Managing People,” Daniel Goleman wrote: “Our research indicates that of the six leadership styles, the authoritative one is the most effective, driving up every aspect of climate. Take clarity. The authoritative leader is a visionary; he motivates people by making clear to them how their work fits into a larger vision for the organization. People who work for such leaders understand that what they do matters and why. By framing the individual tasks within a grand vision, the authoritative leader defines standards that revolve around that vision.”
It is not a leader’s job to ensure that his or her choices and directives please everyone or make him or her popular. And it is not, as we have seen in many high-profile cases of late, his or her job to make excuses in the face of failures or criticism. It is not his or her job to seek out scapegoats when things don’t go to plan or to sanction a continuous rotation of senior positions, as the last man in becomes the new savior.
What he or she must do is to be authentically clear and consistent in communicating the direction they are taking the company, and to explain to the entire team why that needs to happen and how they will get there. Anything less is simply not rock ‘n’ roll.
Peter Smith is president of Vibhor, a public speaker and author of “Sell Something” and “Hiring Squirrels.” He spent 30 years building sales teams in retail and wholesale and he can be contacted at dublinsmith@yahoo.com, peter@vibhorgems.com, or on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
That one paragraph sums up so brilliantly why some leaders are successful and why so many are not.
Whether a company finds itself riding the crest of a wave or knee-deep in horse manure, what is always required from the leader is absolute clarity and conviction of purpose. It is not his or her job to tell tall tales or make excuses (anyone paying attention at United Airlines?) but to chart a clear course and to communicate that direction, unambiguously, throughout the organization. Clarity and consistency of message ought to be the minimum standard for a leader and, yet, it is so often lacking.
In the HBR book “On Managing People,” Daniel Goleman wrote: “Our research indicates that of the six leadership styles, the authoritative one is the most effective, driving up every aspect of climate. Take clarity. The authoritative leader is a visionary; he motivates people by making clear to them how their work fits into a larger vision for the organization. People who work for such leaders understand that what they do matters and why. By framing the individual tasks within a grand vision, the authoritative leader defines standards that revolve around that vision.”
It is not a leader’s job to ensure that his or her choices and directives please everyone or make him or her popular. And it is not, as we have seen in many high-profile cases of late, his or her job to make excuses in the face of failures or criticism. It is not his or her job to seek out scapegoats when things don’t go to plan or to sanction a continuous rotation of senior positions, as the last man in becomes the new savior.
What he or she must do is to be authentically clear and consistent in communicating the direction they are taking the company, and to explain to the entire team why that needs to happen and how they will get there. Anything less is simply not rock ‘n’ roll.
Peter Smith is president of Vibhor, a public speaker and author of “Sell Something” and “Hiring Squirrels.” He spent 30 years building sales teams in retail and wholesale and he can be contacted at dublinsmith@yahoo.com, peter@vibhorgems.com, or on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
More on Independents
The Latest
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
