At the 2011 World Business Forum, Ben Zander – conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, shared his leadership secrets to success. Consider them as you prepare for the New Year
- Visualize your role as a leader, not as the central figure of control, but getting players to explore the possibilities. When you make a mistake, or others do, respond with “How fascinating!” and don’t place blame.
- Opportunities always lie in reframing the question and examining the assumptions you and your teammates are taking for granted and don’t realize you are making. Anyone in the organization can identify and challenge assumptions, so get started today and engage in the exploration.
- You’ll never live a full life complaining. Today’s reality often seems fixed with strong competition and grim goals. Take the perspective of “what if” and “what’s next” and never lose sight of the broader vision.
- Distinguish the “downward spiral” from “radiating possibilities,” reliably and consistently. When things are defined as WIN/LOSE you constrain possibilities.
- The secret to life is “all is invented” and “all is in the perception and framed in your perspective.”
- Remember Rule #6 (when others are overcome by problems): “Don’t take yourself so seriously.” Essentially, turn everything to a positive and never complain, and you will stay closer to the track that will open possibilities. Tension never releases possibilities.
Let me add a 7th rule for 2012: “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. And, never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”