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PART XIII

CRITICAL THINKING

SIXTY-NINE

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

M&Ms A TEST NOT A TRICK

Imagine being so detail-oriented that you wouldn't miss a single brown M&M. Sounds odd, right? But let me share a fascinating real-life example that highlights the importance of thoroughness. Van Halen, one of the greatest rock bands ever, had a reputation for being demanding. In their rider, the part of the contract that specified their backstage requirements, they included an unusual request: a bowl of M&Ms with absolutely no brown ones allowed. At first glance, this might seem like a rockstar's eccentricity, but there was more to it than met the eye.

Van Halen's live shows required meticulous safety measures to ensure the band's and the audience's well-being. To guarantee that local promoters had read and followed all their instructions carefully, Van Halen devised a clever trick. They would check the bowl of M&Ms backstage. If they found even a single brown candy, it was a red flag – a clear indication that other essential safety measures might have been overlooked. In such cases, the band would meticulously inspect all the equipment to avoid any potential accidents.

This seemingly strange request for the M&Ms became a brilliant test of attention to detail. It separated the amateurs from the professionals. Those driven by easy money would overlook this seemingly insignificant detail, while promoters motivated by professionalism would not. Van Halen understood the importance of working with reliable partners who valued precision and took safety seriously.

This captivating story teaches us an important lesson about the power of attention to detail. It goes beyond mere perfectionism or quirks of famous musicians. It shows how being meticulous can save lives and ensure success, even in unexpected ways. So, the next time you find yourself sweating the small stuff, remember Van Halen and their brown M&Ms. Don't underestimate the power of paying attention to every detail.

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