To Compromise Or Not To Compromise
Compromise has always been an interesting concept to me and one we discuss in leadership development gatherings a lot. Compromise is one of those things that we should not do at times and something we should do at times. It is one of those paradoxical concepts that I hold conflicting views on at the same time. Interestingly, compromise was brought up by Geddy Lee, the frontman, bassist, and keyboardist for Rush, in the awesome book I’m reading right now, My Effin’ Life. Geddy gives us some pretty great leadership lessons in this book. I already shared one of those lessons on “skepticism” in Leading With A Little Skepticism. Another, as I just mentioned was “compromise”.
“…it’s all right to totally believe in something and live for it and not compromise.” Neil Peart in an interview with Rolling Stone in 2012
Geddy told the story of Neil Peart, the late drummer and lyricist of Rush, getting into a heated debate with a music industry lawyer about Rush’s artistic direction and Peart was adamant there would be no compromise. He, according to Geddy, believed in staying true to oneself and not compromising one’s values or beliefs for the sake of others. It was clear that at the time of that interchange that Rush was finding their own unique sound and it is so impressive that Peart realized any change to be more mainstream would jeopardize Rush. Peart was being a great leader without realizing it.
It would seem that Peart valued individuality and integrity, and saw compromise as a potential hindrance to the band’s as well as his own personal growth and self-expression. We need to remember there are times when there can be no compromise.
Byron's Babbles 
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