While I have not seen the show (because I am not made of money), the soundtrack is downloaded to my phone for listening sessions on my commute to and from work. The lyrics not only tell the story of historical greatness, but have powerful messages that are applicable today and relate to leadership and building community. Here’s my take on a few lines from the show:
“I am not throwing away my shot.” (Hamilton)
Being a leader is a chance, a shot, to impact your team, your community, your campus for the better. If you are truly dedicated to the role, don’t throw it away by letting people or situations get the best of you. Little decisions every day make up who you are. There is a balance to leadership and fun. Make sure you know yours.
“If you stand for nothing, Burr, what will you fall for?” (Hamilton to Burr)
Burr tells Hamilton to “talk less, smile more” so that no one knows where he stands on certain issues. For some, this may be valuable advice, but without a known stance or mission, how do you know if the things you do get you closer to your goal? How will your team and community trust you?
“Dying is easy, living is harder. / Winning is easy, governing is harder.” (Washington to Hamilton)
In two different situations, Washington offers this piece of advice to Hamilton. In the former, my message to you is to keep pushing, keep striving for more. Don’t give up because life will get tough. It’s how you overcome the hard times that make you a great leader. In the latter, it is one thing to win an election or be appointed a position, it is another to implement change and action in a way that will benefit all.
“The world was wide enough for both Hamilton and me.” (Burr)
Being a leader is a great honor. And you should keep in mind that you are not the only one who can lead. Amazing things can happen when excited and passionate leaders put ideas together. There is room for all those who want to lead and make positive change. Your legacy does not have to be a solo mission. In fact, it should one of communal growth and learning.
“And when my time is up, have I done enough?” (Eliza)
Hamilton and his wife had a very difficult life. In the last song of the show, she explains all the things she has done to keep Hamilton relevant and to finish the work he started. At the end of your time as a leader, will you look back and wish you had done more? Or, will you have provided a foundation on which others can build?
“Who keeps your flame…Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?” (Burr, Eliza, Cast)
After the work has been passed down to the next group, after graduation, in your next job, in your family, who will tell of the wonderful things you accomplished and the hardships you may have endured? Leave a digital footprint: start a blog/vlog/Etsy page, post positive things to social media regularly, encourage conversation on important topics. More importantly, make sure people are around you every step of the way so that they tell their own story, you are part of it too. #TeamHuman
Maybe some day I will see the show, but for now I will keep being inspired by this awesome soundtrack.
