Leadership...and All that Jazz

Abstract

Some years ago I wrote that Leadership was just like a jazz band, and reflecting on my thoughts then, I have no reason to change my view. Leadership is “the most studied and least understood topic of all the social sciences” so many of use analogies in to bring the topic to life. The analogies come from a wide variety of sources: the military; the sports field; the world of music; occasionally business; and just once in a while from politicians and world leaders (perhaps the latest is Barack Obama whose books contain much to consider). Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra says in his book (The Art of Possibility: Transforming Personal and Professional Life) that the conductor, because of his position, has “terror and power, that’s why conductors are so revered”. But, just like the conductor who doesn‟t actually make a sound, many MDs and CEOs have terror and power and never produce, or sell, or distribute? Zander instead believes in empowerment, establishing trust, and coaxing the best out of people and that a conductor should be the conduit not the star. So in his view, leadership is not about control, but coordination, about setting targets and then supporting enabling and freeing, not tying people down with systems, reporting schedules and bureaucracy. It‟s about harmony and co-operation, not divide to rule, and it‟s definitely not about positional power or title.