Wednesday’s (5/20) Entrepreneur.com includes a column by Morag Barrett, founder and CEO of SkyeTeam and principal bassoonist for Colorado’s Broomfield Symphony Orchestra. “Here are four entrepreneurial leadership lessons I’ve learned from more than 30 years of playing music and performing with symphony orchestras. Have a clear vision. An orchestra conductor has a clear vision for each piece of music. How clearly do you understand your own vision for your business? Establish roles and responsibilities. As principal bassoonist, I don’t try to play the trumpet part. Everyone on your team must understand and embrace their roles and responsibilities. Provide coaching and feedback. A conductor acts as the team coach, working to get the best out of each individual and the collective performance of the orchestra. Coach and give feedback in a way that builds the confidence and capabilities of your team. Lead from the front and be visible. The conductor stands on a podium so everyone in the orchestra can see them. As an entrepreneur, you have to get comfortable with being ‘the boss.’ In the same way musicians and conductors spend time practicing and learning the skills to master their instruments, entrepreneurs need to pay attention to the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ of effective leadership.”
Posted May 26, 2015
