The best music is born from emotional and creativity – notes and chords played in succession and combination that produce pleasing harmony and composition. What if we approach leadership from the same principles? What if leadership is rounded in temporal relationships, just as notes, chords and rhythms in works of music?

Research shows the global industry spend on leadership training is $370 billion. In the U.S. along, it’s $169 billion. Yet many organizations feel training fails to produce the desired results. Where is the breakdown?

Perhaps we should take it back to the basics. I believe exceptional leadership lies not in the amateur psychology of manipulating others to do what is expected, or the rigidity of telling people what to do, but rather, by creating a symphony where one individual’s contribution is as important as the next.

Of course, there are fundamentals in which we operate. For example, there are limited notes on a piano and strings on a guitar, but there are limitless ways to arrange the notes and strings to produce a work of art. The most successful singers, songwriters and producers create works of art by coordinating and combining these elements. I believe the same principles can be applied to leadership roles.

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