What Does Sushi Have To Do With Radio?

Do you watch Independent Lens on PBS? I first saw Jiro Dreams of Sushi on Independent Lens but re-watched it recently on Netflix.

You don't have to care a thing about sushi to love this documentary. In fact, with one minor change, the five qualities that make a great chef, explained in the film, apply equally to program directors.

• Be better today than you were yesterday, always.
• Intentionally build new skill sets every month and year.
• Preparation is the key to approaching excellence.
• Brilliance does not always lend itself to collaboration.
• Passion. Love what you do every day.

The one I'm challenged about most by management these days is #4 because we tend to ascribe positive qualities to collaborators and feel a bit suspicious of those who don't always play well with others.

And with some consolidated companies today, there's no choice. It's a programming team, led (or pushed) from the top, someone with a big title who lives outside your market.

But the truth is, all truly great radio stations have been the vision of one person.

As I frequently say, no great work of art has ever been created by a committee. It's the work of one mind with singular devotion - some might say obsession - to greatness.

It's not that these artists can't hear others' ideas and feedback.

It's that the station they hear in their head is never cluttered with trivial pursuits or unnecessary elements.

They intuitively know what's right for their station and what's not.

And they refuse to settle for less than the best.

If you have a programmer like that in your group, cherish her, support her, allow her to grow and create without corporate interference. Trust her.

She will lead you to greatness.