You’re the Conductor — But You Don’t Play the Instruments
What does an orchestra conductor have in common with a great leader?
Quite a lot, actually.
In this episode of Hospitality Insight with The SilverFox, Stephen Hickmore explores leadership through the eyes of a slightly unconventional cellist — and the lessons he learned from watching conductors bring dozens of individual musicians together to create something greater than themselves.
A conductor doesn’t play every instrument. They don’t tell every musician exactly how to do their job. Instead, they set the direction, create the environment, listen carefully, bring out the best in people and know when to step in — and when to get out of the way.
Leadership is much the same.
We talk about trust, communication, ego, accountability, knowing your people, and the importance of understanding that your job as a leader isn’t to be the best player in the orchestra. It’s to make the orchestra better.
There are also a few confessions along the way about being a rather maverick cellist… because, let’s be honest, leadership doesn’t always go according to the sheet music!
🎧 Listen in, and ask yourself: are you conducting your team — or are you trying to play every instrument yourself?
Hospitality Insight with The SilverFox — conversations about leadership, hospitality, business and the lessons we learn along the way.
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