Leadership is like playing the piano. What comes out of it depends on how you play it. Many times leaders want an easy “one way fits all” template for leadership. The reality is that different moments, different people, and different situations call for different styles and ways of “doing” leadership. Nevertheless, while the specifics change, there are some general principles that apply. Today, out of my experience playing the piano, I’m going to share with you today some general keys for successful leadership.
I started learning to play the piano when I was 7 years old and through the years have had intensive training, including a College degree in music. I still derive great pleasure when I’m playing music by the great composers. When you play classical music at the piano, each period and composer dictate different styles and techniques for “making music.” Yet, like with leadership, there are some fundamentals that you apply to everything. You have to play the right keys, in the right order, with the right speed, the right touch, and the right heart. Let’s look at how this applies to leadership.
1. The Right Keys
If you strike random keys without pattern, or without following the written notes of a composition, nothing understandable or pleasurable will come out. You have only to hear a baby banging the keys of a piano with gusto to know what I mean! If you want to make beautiful music, you need to hit the right keys. Might sound elemental, but it's vital.
This requires careful practice, and correcting any mistakes before they become entrenched wrong habits. In leadership, you need to use your brain to recognize patterns, address challenges, and find the right strategies. You also need to know how to exercise the right influence with the right people. And all the time, you need to be able to correct mistakes as soon as possible, before they become a bigger problem.
2. The Right Order
In a page of music you need to read and play the notes in the right order for the music to make sense. In leadership, you need to take action based in the right priorities, at the right moment. Otherwise, there will be chaos.
3. The Right Speed
If you play a piece faster or slower than it was intended, it does not give the same feeling and can cause the performer to make mistakes and sound ill prepared. Leaders have the challenge of pacing things correctly. Too slow or too fast can bring all types of difficulties. A good sense of timing can make a big difference in your performance.
4. The Right Touch
In music we refer to “touch” as a manner or technique of striking the keys of a keyboard instrument. It is said you can distinguish a “master’s touch,” or that a certain piece requires “a light touch,” or that the pianist had a “heavy touch.” An experienced player knows how to apply the right touch to each piece and passage.
When I think of leadership with the right touch I think of different moments and individuals that require more or less involvement from the leader. Successful leaders know how to have the right “touch” for every situation. Micromanaging can be as harmful as too much hands off when the situation requires more involvement. Make sure you use the right touch for each situation.
5. The Right Heart
What makes the biggest difference among pianists is not technique or style. It’s the heart. The heart affects interpretation, emotion, style, interaction with the public, and the love of music.
Likewise, leaders with heart bind their people’s hearts to theirs. Always before taking action, you should listen to your heart. Touch bases with who you are deep down. We know that It’s not so much what you do as who you are that matters. It is your heart what will ultimately make or break your leadership.
Remember. . .
If you want your leadership to be a virtuoso performance, play the right keys, in the right order, with the right speed, the right touch, and the right heart. Basic things that make a big difference!
Photo by: Logos Noesis