CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
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
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
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 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
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.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
