Wk 3 Blog Comment 2: Art of Possibility, Chapters 5-8

Kathy Valunas writes:

The possibilities are endless... or so one might believe after reading this week's chapters in our book for reflection. But what it really boils down to is attitude and perception. It was so easy to visualize from chapter 5 how the conductor- detached as the ultimate leader- was to provide the ultimate guidance as his orchestra played. But their jobs were probably even more stressful and complex because it was the instrumental players who were responsible for interpreting the every move of the conductor so that every note and accent was flawlessly played. They had to be totally in tune with his direction of the piece would fail.

photo by Bernadette Colletti

So it is with educators, or business managers, corporate big-wigs, etc. etc. etc. The list of players could be any group you wanted it to be and the maestro or ultimate leader could be that president, administrator, CEO, the one we place on the pedestal- the unreachable or untouchable bronze statue, etc. Regardless of who those people are, there has to be a leader who can nurture and mold his group, direct them in such a way as to encourage perfection with their craft. Ultimately, that perfection is evident when we see the final outcomes, the reactions of the audience as well as the performance of the players.

But the process doesn't end with the performance- that might be just the beginning of the interpretation or understanding. It is the facilitator who leads with compassion. This is the one who exhibits just the right mix of expertise and humor, but who is willing to admit when they too are not perfect but just the vessel used to hold all of the strengths necessary to fill up the whole pitcher of perfection. With that, we then need to ask ourselves, what is perfection? What one might consider perfection may be failure for another. The trick then is to find the right balance or mix of all the ingredients necessary to make the presentation of skills and talent delectable, cherished, and unscathed in the eyes of the beholders, the listeners, the audience, the evaluators, and the critics.

So I will consider my purpose as an art and let my mind wander around the sea of possibility until I complete my journey and lead others to achieve their possibilities... let this art experience begin!

photo by Bernadette Colletti

@ Kathy

It all comes down to ego and the person in charge.  If that person directs from the position of ultimate power, there will be very few happy people in the workplace (or classroom or orchestra, etc.) and, while things will get accomplished, there will be little satisfaction in the end result.  On the other hand, what the Zanders suggest, and what you mention, is the leader as a facilitator, who leads with a mind open to adaptation and suggestions.  The more relaxed atmosphere will not always lead to perfection, as there are very few perfect moments in life, but it will lead to a communal feeling of achievement, from the top down to the bottom. 

This is what we all should strive to be: the best at facilitating whatever task we are charged with, using our skills, but also utilizing the skills of all our performers, students or employees, so the end result is truly a collaborative effort.