When it comes to creating a culture of learning, Queen Bey has a lot to say.
Beyoncé’s current Renaissance World Tour has been hailed as electrifying, her greatest achievement, and a showcase for the best performer of our generation.
And, for some, her tour — and her music — contain a treasure trove of professional advice.
“I learned an interesting career lesson at my first Beyoncé concert,” writes Sean Ilenrey, vice president of support at the software development firm Dutchie. While taking in a performance in Atlanta, Sean saw the quote “Imagination is more important than knowledge” displayed prominently onscreen.
“As I reflected on those words,” he says, “I couldn’t help but draw a parallel between the electrifying performance and the notion of imagination in our careers.”
It’s oh so easy to get stuck in a rut of doing things the same way that we’ve always done them. The problem with that is it can block innovation and even lead to employee boreout. Beyoncé reminds us to push the boundaries and apply new creative strategies to old problems.
“Imagination plays a crucial role in professional growth,” Sean adds. “It encourages us to take risks, embrace change, and adapt to evolving circumstances. It pushes us to seek out new skills, acquire knowledge, and continuously learn and improve.”
And that approach is one Beyoncé has consistently endorsed. “I committed to always being a student,” she says, “and always being open to growth.” And while very few, if any, will outwork Beyoncé, she is more about seizing the moment than simply grinding away. “Growth,” she says. “Love. Happiness. Fun. Enjoy your life. It’s short.”
There’s no shortage of Beyoncé lyrics that speak to the quest for professional success — and the roles learning and development play in it. Here are some of the most inspiring lessons from Queen Bey that can elevate your career and give you ideas for creating a culture of learning.
1. I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it . . . / I go hard . . . / Get what’s mine (take what’s mine), I’m a star . . . / ’Cause I slay (slay), I slay (hey)
These lyrics from Beyoncé’s hit Formation remind us that if you want to “slay” in the workplace, you can’t just dream about it; you have to pursue it. That means going hard, continuously improving yourself until you own it or realize that initial dream.
A formation, of course, is simply an arrangement of things with a purpose in mind. Courses and training programs can help you and other members of your team get into formation through upskilling.
Learning and development professionals can aid in this process by making sure employees have time set aside for such learning experiences, as well as using microlearning so employees can dedicate small chunks of time to training in between their other responsibilities.
2. Who run the world? Girls! . . . / My persuasion / Can build a nation / Endless power . . . / How we smart enough to make these millions
Research from LinkedIn shows that globally, women hold less than a third of leadership positions. Yet in the song Run the World (Girls), Beyoncé isn’t fazed by the glass ceiling, pointing out that her ability to persuade others is her superpower.
Indeed, persuasion is among the most in-demand soft skills because it gives you the ability to communicate ideas and inspire others to take action. (You can work on your own skills in the LinkedIn Learning course Persuading Others with instructor Dorie Clark.)
By brushing up on persuasion and other soft skills, women — and men — can develop the smarts to run the world — or, at least, a small part of it.
3. I’m a survivor . . . / I’m not gon give up . . . / I’m not gon stop . . . / I’m gon work harder . . . / If I surround myself with positive things / I’ll gain prosperity
Beyoncé belted out Survivor as the leader of the group Destiny’s Child and it’s one of her most inspiring tunes when it comes to getting over a career setback. So you didn’t get that promotion you were eyeing. Or the project you headed didn’t yield the results that you were hoping for.
So, what do you do?
The answer is simple, if you ask Beyoncé. You don’t give up, you don’t stop, you become a better learner and work harder. Adopting a growth mindset just might lead you to success if you stay consistent.
4. I break chains all by myself / Won’t let my freedom rot in hell / Hey! I’ma keep running / ’Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves
In these lyrics from the song Freedom, Beyoncé once again scoffs at the notion of anything holding us back. Nothing outside of you can prevent you from achieving your career goals, and along the same lines, you don’t have to wait passively for someone to give you permission to succeed.
You break the chains all by yourself because you have the tools you need to keep advancing.
Those tools can come in the form of upskilling, reskilling, or even experiential learning. And if you have doubts about how effective these tools are, Beyoncé reminds you that you’re a winner, and winners don’t stop learning and improving.
5. I’m stepping out hotter this year
This lyric from the song Baby Boy could admittedly apply to many different situations, but when it comes to your career, it signifies a recognition that your hard work is about to pay off. You’ve taken the courses, gotten the certifications, and upgraded your skills, and now you’re ready to step out there and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Interestingly, Beyoncé acknowledges the power of pondering song lyrics when she says, “I know I’m stronger in the songs than I really am. Sometimes I need to hear it myself. We all need to hear those empowering songs to remind us.”
Perhaps Grace Muchoki, an educational policy professor, sums it up best. “I didn’t think that attending a Beyoncé concert would teach me a valuable, thought-provoking lesson about success,” she writes, “but I guess that’s just the whole essence of Beyoncé.”
*Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood on Getty Images
