My son is part of the Shorecrest Marching Band. . .which yesterday performed in the St. Paddy's Day Parade in Dublin. Let me tell you, this unit is a spectacle. As "The Scots" they are outfitted in kilts and full tilt Irish garb. The parade line-up starts with cheerleaders, then Irish dancers, then bagpipers (!), drum major, the band and the flag team. It is magnificent.
In Dublin, they were playing with bands from around the world - so imagine our delight when we received word that they won Best Overall Band!
The best.
This makes me contemplate - what does it take to lead a winning team?
Let me tell you about the conductor. Respected, liked and loved by his students (the antithesis of "It's not my job to be liked"). He earns the respect and adulation. . .and in turn, he respects and genuinely cares for his band.
He is not authoritarian or shrill.
He is genuine.
He has realistically high expectations.
He is committed to his team and their success.
He is a great communicator.
Before he allows his band to begin a performance, he assures that people have what they need and that they are aligned in purpose to what they are about to do.
Even in concert situations, he has an ease about him that allows great energy and great performances to flow.
He can bring diverse elements together as one (brass, drumline, dancers, flag team, bagpipers!!!)
Here's what else. . . in this particular school, the culture of great leadership was started in middle school with an equally adept music teacher.
And they couldn't have been effective (and winning!) leaders without having a team that was focused to the cause and enabled each other to be at their best.
Let's just think about that.
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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.
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