Slowhand

Today, March 30, is National Doctor's Day in the United States, so I would first like to take a moment to thank all of the physicians out there for all that you do, every day.  It takes incredible passion, commitment, and dedication to be a physician, and I am privileged to be a part of this great profession.  Thank you.  Please take a moment to thank all of the physicians you know in your life - they will appreciate it.

Today also happens to be the birthday of one of my favorite rock-n-roll artists.  The singer, songwriter, musician, and guitar virtuoso, Eric Clapton was born 74 years ago today in Surrey, England.  Clapton, nicknamed "Slowhand" (the moniker was given to him by the Yardbirds manager, Giorgio Gomelsky in early 1964 because Clapton played the guitar so fast), has had an amazing career, both as a soloist (most recently) and as part of a number of famous rock and blues bands, including the Yardbirds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, and Derek and the Dominoes.  Even if you aren't a rock-n-roll aficionado, trust me, you've heard his music played on the radio.  Clapton is always on everyone's list of the best rock-n-roll guitar players, and some would say that he is the best guitar player ever to live (Rolling Stone magazine named him #2 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time).  He has sold over 100 million records worldwide, won a Grammy award 18 times, and received a knighthood as a Commander of the Most Excellent Order (CBE) of the British Empire.  He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame not just once, but three times (once as a solo artist and twice again as a member of the rock groups, Cream and the Yardbirds). Indeed, he is the only artist to receive that distinction.  And if that isn't enough for you, he was even once considered as a replacement to join the Beatles when his good friend, George Harrison threatened to quit (he did play the lead guitar on the Beatles' song, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and appeared on the album commonly referred to as the White Album).

So, you would think that if anyone had an abundance of self-confidence, it would be Eric Clapton.  Think again.  Clapton once said in an interview, "I've always been riddled with self-doubt about my work."  Really?!?!?  In fact, Clapton was often incredibly uncomfortable playing in front of live audiences.  Yet Clapton was able to do it - and he played incredibly well (even if his back was turned to the audience during many of his guitar solos!). 

Clapton surrounded himself with the right individuals.  Legendary producer, Tom Dowd, who produced one of Clapton's most famous songs, Layla, recorded when he was in the band, Derek and the Dominoes, did much more for Clapton than produce his records.  He made Clapton feel comfortable.  He inspired confidence.  Clapton once said, "His role was making me feel comfortable and inspiring confidence in myself, and I've never been rich in those areas."

So, if you are having doubts about your own leadership and success.  Don't worry.  It happens to all of us at some point, and it even happens to the best of us.  The important thing is to keep going.  Surround yourself with individuals who will support you and inspire confidence.  And if you are in a position of leadership, remember to do likewise for the individuals on your team.  As leaders, one of our jobs is to encourage, inspire, motivate, and build confidence in and for the other members of the team.  If we, as leaders, can bring out the best in someone, as Tom Dowd did for Eric Clapton, then our work is complete.

Happy Doctor's Day.  And Happy Birthday to Eric Clapton.