SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
