The most successful business leaders draw outstanding performances from their teams, much like the conductor of an orchestra. Just as an orchestra is comprised of distinct sections for strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion, a company has departments, teams, and often, dealer networks that need to be in harmony. It’s when they fall out of sync that the business, brand, products and people, including customers, suffer. A great leader will unite, align and inspire the best performances, bringing out all that differentiates and elevates a brand. Here are six ways to accomplish this:
Focus on the Team
Just as conductors turn their focus to the musicians, leaders must focus on their teams, ensuring they are performing at the highest level, together. Each department must understand the role it plays within the larger organization so it can create a masterwork. When people understand their responsibilities and roles, they can be truly productive. They’re also more likely to collaborate, which minimizes redundancy and enhances overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Give Meaning
While conductors do not play a single note, they are ultimately responsible for beautiful music. An organization’s leader does not manufacture or sell the product but is responsible for inspiring all of those who do. It’s a leader’s role to provide significance to every individual who represents or affects the enterprise and ensure the right people are playing the right parts. One key person or department that is disengaged will negatively affect success for all. But when team members recognize their importance and the value of what they bring, it instills a deep pride that motivates them to perform at their best.
Part of giving teams meaning is communicating what differentiates a company or brand. An employee who believes in the uniqueness of their company is much more likely to be loyal, rather than viewing it as a steppingstone to bigger and better things. They recognize and appreciate their role in delivering something no one else does.
Protect the Brand’s Essence
A company’s story is its great masterpiece. You would never try to rewrite the music of Beethoven or Mozart. Similarly, leaders shouldn’t allow their company’s brand essence to get diluted. It’s their role to champion and reinforce the brand’s differentiation and mission throughout the organization. That means taking the opportunity to reinforce differentiators in every discussion, whether it’s an internal meeting with just two people, a large all-employee meeting or a one-on-one conversation with a customer.
Inspire Team and Solo Performances
The best orchestral performers are able to seamlessly play together with other musicians, as well as deliver solo performances when asked. Good leaders are able to build teams that can do both. Sometimes the job calls for strong people who are comfortable working independently. Other times, collaboration is needed to develop the right solution. The most effective teams are able to easily switch between the two styles of working.
Build Harmony
Just like an orchestra, a company needs to be in sync, playing off the same sheet of music. Leaders must align their teams with company goals and the brand story. In other words, everyone must be moving in the same direction to be at peak efficiency. You can imagine the sound that would emanate from a group of musicians all playing a different composition. The varying tempos and notes would clash together into an unpleasant, random mess. In business, building harmony throughout an organization takes work. You might find yourself sounding like a broken record, but keeping teams aligned means constantly reinforcing the most important aspects of your business—your mission, vision, values, story and uniqueness.
Coach Teams to Greatness
The role of a conductor is to provide feedback, guidance and encouragement to musicians, helping them reach their full potential. In the same way, leaders should direct and provide the resources their teams need to achieve the company’s goals, as well as their own professional goals. This can take the form of training or coaching sessions that build on employees’ skills.
There’s much for leaders to learn from the way a conductor directs an orchestra. The best leaders, like the greatest conductors, bring out exceptional performances in their teams. They understand how to maximize individual strengths and bring them together to differentiate and deliver on the company’s mission. Try leading like a conductor and discover your organization’s greatest symphony.