I’m not the maestro of the orchestra; I’m the leader of the jazz band.  I need different people to come to the front and take the lead at different times.

I’ve often heard leaders referred to as maestros or conductors.  Leaders don’t, and can’t, play all the instruments but they can make wonderful music by helping everyone play their part.  This analogy has made sense to me . . . until I heard a better one.

True leaders know when to empower others to step-up, stand center stage, and take the lead.  True leaders know the time to step aside and let others shine – to let others be in the spotlight.

As a true servant leader, as a school superintendent, I am truly blessed to work with an amazing team.  We strive to create a culture, to develop the ensemble, so that each member of the team is empowered to be out front.  The stronger our team, the more confident each member is, the higher our level of performance.

Don’t just conduct your team . . . empower the team to step-up and take the lead themselves.