Marin Alsop leads on a world wide stage. Her official title is Music Director, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Some might label her an artist. She considers herself a leader and manager of people. The art of addressing mistrust with curiosity is among the many leadership lessons you can learn from Ms. Alsop.
Leadership Lessons
1. Know When to Be Curious
As a leader, there are times when it’s best for you to take a stand, to be certain, to explain and to defend your actions. There are times, however, when it’s best to be curious and explore. As a general rule, when your troops and allies are losing or questioning their trust in you, lean into genuine curiosity. Resist the urge to defend yourself. It won’t get you, or them, where all of you need to be.
Marin Alsop’s Curious Tale
Prior to being considered for the role of music director, Alsop had, on several occasions, been guest conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. She and the musicians enjoyed a good rapport.
When Ms. Alsop was offered the BSO directorship, however, she was informed that the musicians didn’t trust her. Alsop was taken aback, but stepped forward to address the problem head on. In her position, many leaders might feel unjustly attacked and become defensive. Ms. Alsop did the opposite. She wanted to understand the distrust and before accepting her new role, she asked for a private meeting with the entire orchestra. In fact, she made it part of the hiring process. Brilliant.
When Alsop met with the orchestra members she asked, with openness and genuine curiosity, about their concerns. They were worried. They heard she had changes in mind. She was going to make music more accessible to The People – young people, old people, racially and socioeconomically diverse people. To achieve this vision, the BSO would play different venues and vary their music. Alsop wanted to engage The People, so the musicians would do new and different things in addition to performing in their familiar home. Change can be scary, even for world famous musician people.
Alsop talked to them about her vision. At one point the room breathed a collective sigh of relief. That’s when she stopped talking. She had them. They understood. There was no need to say anything more. Continuing to speak would risk saying the wrong thing, the one that would be misconstrued and stir up the recently settled anxiety.
Leadership Lessons 2 – 6
2. Lead before you get there.
Why?
THEY are forming perceptions of YOU the minute they hear about your candidacy. Everything you say and do, or don’t say and do, is contributing to your leadership brand and credibility.
3. Begin by asking questions about THEM.
4. LISTEN to what they say.
5. Address their concerns.
6. Stop talking when they’re on board.
A Shared Vision
Marin Alsop is a trusted leader whose vision is now the BSO’s vision, and it’s becoming real. A clip for her website appears below.
OrchKids, the outreach program set up by Marin Alsop, has been selected as a recipient of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program (NAHYP) Award at the White House. The news comes ahead of another exciting opportunity for BSO OrchKids who, as well as Marin and 32 musicians from the BSO, will perform at the Ravens’ Thanksgiving Day game on November 28.