Real-Life Decision Making
You are an A and R rep currently working for an independent label. There are already three messages blinking on your answering machine when you arrive at the office.
The first message is from an agent offering you some hot leads. He informs you of a high school rock 'n' roll band that will be practicing in their high school auditorium today in preparation for their prom.
The agent says the kids have a fresh sound and are extremely talented.
In the second message, he informs you of a folk group that is currently at the local coffee shop. He tells you to check them out, as this is one not to be missed.
In the third message, he reminds you to listen to the demo tapes that he sent you on Tuesday.
Just as you are leaving to scout out the high school band and the folk band, your supervisor calls you into his office. He complains that you are not pulling your weight around the office, and that you better bring in some talent soon.
You assure your supervisor that everything is under control, and that you are just going out to recruit some talent. As you are leaving his office, he informs you that the label is in desperate need of signing a new rock 'n' roll group.
Your first stop is at the high school to check out the band. You listen to their music but, in your opinion, the group has nothing special.
They play good music, but not great music. The only thing going for them is that they play rock 'n' roll, and your label is currently looking for a rock 'n' roll band to sign.
Your second stop is at the coffee shop. You order a cafe latte and sit in on the set. The folk band is excellent. They have great rhythm, imaginative and creative lyrics, and a wonderful stage presence. They know how to perform and draw in an audience.
When you get back to the office, you are still giddy with excitement after discovering the folk group. However, you remember that you still need to preview the demo tapes that the agent sent you. You press the play button on your tape deck and a jazz band begins to play.
The sound of the tranquil music calms your nerves. It brings soothing music to your ears, relaxing you. The group is excellent, and you think that you better sign this band as well, before somebody else does.
But your boss wants you to bring back a rock 'n' roll group, not a folk or jazz group. The rock 'n' roll group that you heard was inexperienced and lacked the spark and talent that you seek.
You wonder to yourself whether you should leave the rock 'n' roll band out of your proposal, or put it in because it could please your boss. What do you do?