I spend a lot of time surrounded by a choir. It’s one of my predominant activities every week, and it’s one of the joys of my life. This dedicated group of people (all volunteers) tirelessly serve beside me as we work together to fulfill our part of our grand mission. When I am down, they lift me up. When I am tired, they hold me together. When I am in need of inspiration, they sing! I’ve said for decades that when I get together with the choir, it’s my “peak of the week.” I am so very grateful to have a group of people with whom to share my life’s work.
As a leader, it’s very important to surround ourselves with “a choir.” Not all choirs have to sing, nor do they need to sit in rows. However, the choir provides much needed inspiration and support for a leader who is trying to do something greater than themselves. The choir becomes their personal support system and the critical mass of team members needed to make things happen. I firmly believe that every leader needs their own choir!
One of my favorite organizational scholars is Margaret J. Wheatley. Her writing is highly regarded in the academic community and has been a tremendous influence on my own approach to teamwork and leadership. In her book, Leadership and the New Science, she states, “We gain courage from learning we’re part of a choir. We sing better when we know we’re not alone.” Exactly my point. Leadership is not about going it alone. It’s all about the people with whom you surround yourself.
If we are going to do great things to make our world better, we’re going to need others to come and join our cause. We’re going to need a group of dedicated servants who will sacrifice their time, talent, and treasure in the pursuit of the fulfillment of the mission. We’re going to need a choir. I’ve got one. I hope you do too.
Lead well.