Everything I learned about leadership I learned through conducting (Part 2)

In yesterday's post, I mentioned that conducting any sort of ensemble is really more about leadership and less about the craft of conducting. I'm sure you have seen conductors that had excellent technique, but had difficulty leading their group from the podium and vice versa - their technique wasn't that great, but due to their musicianship and leadership skills, they were able to achieve a stirring performance from their group.

As I've pondered these thoughts and my own personality, this is what I have learned over the last 15+ years of conducting and leadership from the podium:

1. Preparation, preparation, preparation - before you enter a rehearsal, service, or performance, you need to prepare yourself mentally ahead of time. This means, you must have a game plan of what you need to accomplish during that period time. I always go into a rehearsal with a pre-planned rehearsal order and what I need to accomplish during that time. Essentially, you're establishing mini-goals you would like to accomplish during that rehearsal. In a performance setting, this changes a bit, in that I'm trying to accomplish a stirring, musical performance from my group for the congregation or audience. I need to be musically and mentally prepared to fearlessly lead my group from beginning to end with excellence.
2. Act and talk like the leader - groups under your leadership can smell fear in you in an instant. Being on the podium many times requires the "fake it until you feel it" mentality! You need to be poised and confident as you assume the conductor role. This is often a struggle for young, aspiring conductors.
3. Build relationships - your relationships with those you lead will determine your effectiveness over the long haul. Spend time talking to your team members before and after rehearsals. Go to breakfast, lunch, or dinner with them. Have social events where people can relate to you as a "real guy."

More thoughts in my next post.

Larry
MyStaffArranger.com