Here is a brief excerpt from an article by Marla Gottschalk for LinkedIn. She cites an unlikely source for valuable business lessons when explaining why, when we are “not onboard” and are reluctant to “buy in” with regard to an issue, decision, initiative, or project, we would be well-advised to consider the situation that she describes. To read the complete article and check out others, please click here.

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When Frank Sinatra, the “Chairman of the Board” himself, considered recording Strangers in the Night, his feelings about the song were far less than positive. (In fact, his exact words regarding the music shouldn’t really be printed here.) Sinatra apparently despised the song — and had no reservations communicating this fact to others.

This comes as somewhat of a surprise — considering the enormous success of the recording. However, if you’ve ever been handed a task, been assigned to a project, or reviewed a plan of action that you were not firmly behind, you’ll likely understand what Sinatra may have felt. In these situations, questions concerning potential negatives can often cloud the possibilities. Often, we reflexively pull back and balk at the prospect of moving forward. Nonetheless, committing may actually be the right thing to do — even though we may not be 100% convinced in the moment. Taking a measured risk, even if you hold some concern, can still emerge as a worthy investment.

Of course, Mr. Sinatra did go on to record Strangers in the Night —- and he brought his incredible panache and flair to the music. It’s been noted that Mr. Sinatra routinely recorded songs on the first go-around. But, as fate would have it, his improvisational closing of “doo be doo be doo” — an iconic signature — was added on the second take of the song. (Interestingly, future country star Glen Campbell, on guitar during the session, was in complete awe of being in the company of Sinatra.)

Ultimately, Mr. Sinatra may have not appreciated the merits of the music itself — yet, he delivered a high caliber performance, leaving an indelible imprint along the way. His performance elevated the music to a new level and countless listeners benefited. (It has been written that he joked the song kept him in pizza for years.) Strangers in the Night went on to be one of Sinatra’s most popular songs — reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts. He also earned a Grammy award for the best Male Pop Performance, while the track earned the designation of “Record of the Year.” Investing in the song, even though he had reservations, proved positive for Sinatra and so many others.

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To read the complete article and check out others, please click here.

Marla Gottschalk is an industrial & organizational psychologist as well as a workplace strategist. To read all her articles, please click here.