Hey everyone, I'm going to post about the things that Mr Tan shared with the majors at the Lecture at NCO "Motivation, perseverance and success" and also about some leadership stuff. In case you all didn't notice I've posted up the notes that Mr Tan gave us on the notice board so go check it out. (:
Anyway before I begin this post I would like to say that leaders are not perfect. Give the person in front some support and cooperation, and a chance.
We're all humans and we make mistakes. It's not easy being a leader so it's always good to put yourself in that person's shoes. I believe that every leader in the band only has the best intentions at heart. They want what's best for the band.
The reason why the leaders/teachers/conductor appoints you as a comm member/SL is because they see something in you, so don't let them down. Be a leader, don't just do your job as a QM/librarian/treasurer/anything.
Leadership is something that's to be nurtured and it's something you gain through experience. Not something you wake up having after eating a magic cookie.
"Spread enthusiasm, inspire, demonstrate integrity"
Respect
Basically the first thing I want to talk about is gaining respect from your members. Be it the entire band, individual sections, or anyone. You cannot expect the members to listen to you out of fear or the fact that you are the SL or a comm member. (Which means it's the authority of position and rank which I personally feel is wrong)
You need to gain their respect by setting a good example. You lead by example. Practise what you preach (Or at least try your very best to). Lets say you expect the members to come for sectionals and do self practice, you should do it too. Set high expectations for yourself.
For example, if you know you have to work on a lot of things during sectionals, come earlier, clear your own notes and settle your own playing before it begins.
No matter how well you try to motivate your members, if you don't match it with your behaviour/actions/lead by example, you'll gain no respect from them and find it increasingly difficult for them to work with you.
If you fail to set the example, you have no right to expect anything better out of your members.
The ways to set a good example are basically to follow the rules, take initiative, know your job, deserve your member's respect, and have a good attitude.
"THE LEADER ALWAYS SETS THE TRAIL FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW"
Communication
In the band, the leaders/teachers/conductor/instructor usually give out important information.
Take notes. Always write down key information received.
It is important for everyone to pay attention and maybe to take the information down. Maybe get a small notebook or something if you know you're going to forget. When the leaders msg you and tell you to do something, do it immediately if you can. Do not procrastinate and end up forgetting what you need to do.
I believe that open and good communication is vital too so if you have any suggestions or constructive criticism, or any doubts, feel free to approach the leaders/teachers. Do not hesitate. Leaders remember that domination discourages creative thinking.
If there's something you wish to say about a performance we played at or how band practice was, just raise your hand, stand up and say it. Voice out your opinions. The leaders need to know what to improve on. Reflect and share. There's no harm in doing so.
Everyone of you have a part to play. It's not just me and Xinhui running the show all the time so I feel that we need more people to speak up. All your opinions and thoughts are significant in the growth and development of the band. Do not keep things to yourself.
Self confidence
Self confidence is something that I think most of us lack, including myself. That's something I've been trying to work on too.
Project your voice when standing in front of the band. Please do not whisper or mumble to yourself, fidget or hesitate when speaking in front of the group. Have eye contact with the band. Be confident, carry yourself well. Also, do not speak incredibly slow or fast. Be specific.
Remember to be firm, if you want something out of the group, insist on it. That being said, I want to also make it clear to all of you that there's a difference between being firm/assertive, and not aggressive. Learn to accept ideas from other people.
Okay lets say (for example, not picking on anyone) the Librarians want to collect the scores back from the band.
"Um.. Please return the scores after um band practice hehehe thanks!! ^-^" In a timid and shy tone
and
"Please return the scores after band practice" In a firm and assertive tone.
Self evaluation
I know many of you are probably sick of hearing this but reflection and evaluation helps you to become a better person and a better leader. Think about it.
1) What have you done for the band since you're stepped up?
2) What can you do to improve yourself?
3) Rate yourself as a leader..
4) How can you contribute to the band?
5) Think of how your members feel/put yourselves in the shoes of other people. (People who do literature TKAMB!! You should know okay. Haha Atticus' lessons..)
If you're not sure how to reflect, take out the little card that sir gave us. (I HOPE NO ONE HAS LOST THEIRS!! It's in the form of a card for a reason you know, to put it in your wallet, lol)
Taking appropriate actions/Initiative
Praise the members and encourage them. It's always nice to hear compliments, isn't it? But don't do it for the sake of doing it.
Do not complain and whine about an issue/problem. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. There's no point getting upset/angry/irritated because that doesn't solve the problem. Why not spend time and think of possible solutions and what you can do to improve the situation instead?
Also, pass on useful knowledge to your juniors, your section, or the band! If you've learnt something at a camp/tutorial/from a book/internet, share it with others! Don't keep all the information to yourself.
We all make mistakes. It's okay if you make a mistake. Learn from it, grow from it! It's okay to admit that you're wrong!!
Flexibility
Nope I do not mean this literally. Ha-ha.
Okay so what does being flexible mean?
"Susceptible of modification or adaptation;
Responsive to change; adaptable;
Making or willing to make concessions;
Able to adjust readily to different conditions"
I got these from dictionary.com and I think it's pretty obvious what flexible means, lol. For example, things don't always go as planned. You need to make suitable changes and adjustments when things don't go your way. Make the right choices.
Actually this point also applies for everyone, whether you possess a leadership role or not, learn to be flexible and mature. Adapt to changes well. For example, we're going to have a different conductor. So adapt to that change!!
Leadership is Serving
Therefore, it is only right for the leaders to put the group's interests in front of your own. It may be time consuming and require a lot of effort but it's worth it. Seniors, there's only a few more months till we graduate. Do something for the band while you're in it. Treasure your time and make a difference!
These are only some of the many areas of leadership and I hope it has helped you.
That being said, I want to make it clear that every member of the band is important, even if you're not a leader. Teamwork's very important in the band as all of you know.
"The strength of the band is the strength of the weakest player" Remember this? Lets stick together, and work hard together! No matter what happens we're all in this together and we'll always be ONE IJ band! (It may sound corny/cheesy/cliche but it's true okay!)
Keep the IJ band spirit going people!! (:
Dawn
