Leadership is very personal. There isn’t a right or a wrong way to do it. I’ve seen many styles and almost all have a place. It depends on the situation and the personalities of the leader and those being led.
The following is the approach I take to leadership. It works for me and it may for you. I’m a conductor. As a conductor, I try to draw the best from the people working with me, I create the environment where their talents can make an idea better, an environment where they can shine. While I may be the leader, my back is to the audience, so it isn’t about what I can do, it’s about what we can do. The conductor puts their ego to one side and lets the orchestra create value.
Hip Shots
- Focus on the team’s success. Provide the direction and resources they need to solo and to play as an ensemble.
- It’s important to be confident, all great conductors have an ego, but focus your confidence on the work, on the team, so that they are successful and their success becomes yours.
- Let the team take its bows before you take yours. Without them you’re nothing but a man or women with a short stick.