“LET'S TAKE IT FROM THE TOP”: Lessons for Life and Leadership from the Conductor’s Podium

“LET'S TAKE IT FROM THE TOP”: Lessons for Life and Leadership from the Conductor’s Podium

A hush comes over the audience as the orchestra takes their final tuning note from the oboist. Then, from the side, the conductor begins to take the stage. As he enters the platform, the orchestra stands to acknowledge their conductor, heading to the podium to lead the musicians through the music. It is a glorious experience to watch the conductor and musicians communicate, coordinate, and collaborate together. How does a great conductor lead musicians through the music? After all, there is no sound that emanates from the conductor. Without the ability to inspire and teach the musicians to perform at the highest levels of excellence, the conductor is literally waving his arms for nothing! There is no change in the environment that results from the physical efforts of the conductor without the musicians in the orchestra performing simultaneously in TONE, in TUNE, in TIME, and in TOUCH. LET'S TAKE IT FROM THE TOP demystifies this kind of influence by looking at leadership through the lens of the ensemble conductor. Leaders will gain valuable insights into strategies that take them from singularly focused, top-down bosses to key influencers within their organizations. Using the concepts of time tested ensemble rehearsal techniques and leaning on anecdotal, historical and biblical examples from the life of Nehemiah, LET'S TAKE IT FROM THE TOP provides a framework for organizational change from any seat in the ensemble!