Are Leaders Musicians?

The answer to the question of the title of this post is: Not quite, but they need to direct their own Symphonies!!!. How is that possible if they’re not musicians?

Meet Daniel Pink, the author of the bestselling book
A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. In this book Pink suggests that to face the new age we’re living in, known as the “Conceptual Age”, one should be inventive, empathic and have big-picture capabilities. According to Pink there are six abilities that people should develop in order to succeed in this new era. The abilities are:

1. Design
2. Story
3. Symphony
4. Empathy
5. Play
6. Meaning

The ability that took my attention (over the others) was Symphony. This ability can be stated as putting the pieces together, being able to synthetize instead of analyze. Is being able to order the puzzle. Why this ability is so important? More often than ever we’re seeing how routine jobs and repetitive tasks are outsourced or automated, so people is left with more demanding jobs, creativity jobs. That’s why people will be faced with more “right-brain” demanding tasks.

According to Pink 3 different kinds of people could benefit from having this ability:

Boundary Crosser
If you’re a Boundary Crosser then you’re someone who can work in several environments without much effort, probably you speak one or two more languages.

Inventor
Someone you reffer to as an inventor understands that combining simple ideas you can come up with a new one. Someone like this takes the chances and tries novel combination of ideas until something comes up.

Metaphor Maker
If you see a Metaphor Maker you’ll recognize him/her in a second. You’ll figure it out in his/her language, you’ll hear relationships that no computer can figure out yet. Metaphorical thinking is an ability that we use to reason. The more metaphors we use, the better we understand the world.

What kind of guy are you? A boundary crosser, an Inventor, or a Metaphor Maker?

Leaders are Symphony Masters

To be a leader, you need to be a symphony “master”, you can have this ability but you have to put it under your command, you have to make your new ideas, metaphors and communication skills to work for you, for your purpose. Stretch yourself to use all your resources to achieve the vision you’re after.

As a leader, you should foster the development of this ability in your team. You can not give something you don’t have. Sometimes is difficult to recognize certain abilities because you don’t have them. I’m proposing you to use your right brain more often.

In this fast paced world we’re living in, you are the director of your own symphony.

LEADERSHIP ACTIONS TO BECOME A SYMPHONY MASTER

To develop the symphony ability you should cross boundaries, read more, and connect things. Try this:

1. Listen different kinds of music, best of all, listen something you don’t know. If you’re a country music guy, then listen to heavy metal, classical and rap. At first you could feel uncomfortable, but you’re stretching… remember.

2. Draw, you don’t need to be Leonardo to draw. Just draw, do it. Try cartoons, or whatever but draw, use your right-brain.

3. Every time you hear an interesting metaphor, write it down, write it down, write it down. Keep a log, and check it at least once a month.

4. Invent your own activities, do things in different way you’re use to.

The main purpose of this, is to set new connections in your brain to be used, when you need them the most: in problem solving, and creative activities.

Remember, Be Alert, Be A Leader and From Now on.. be a musician too!!!

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