Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • April 2016
7
Words of Wisdom for the
Successful Leader
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
Having always been a fan of “words
of wisdom,” I think we can all benefit
by wrapping our minds around the
insights of those who have traversed
the pathway of success. Their proven
template of quality achievement
is adaptable to many of our own
situations; therefore, we can learn
from the high achievers as their
understanding relates to our own
professional endeavors.
Successful leaders have always had
the ability to “go beyond the assigned
responsibilities.” Not only do they
complete the given task in an effective
and efficient style, but they also add a
difficult-to-define bit of “magic” to the
way they go about their work. What
is this secret ingredient that separates
the exemplary student leaders from
the rest of their colleagues? Many have
attempted to quantify it, replicate it,
diagnose it, and assess it in a way that
it can be taught to others, and yet it
seems (at best) very elusive. When
we observe a successful leader in
action, we know there is something
very special about the way he or
she connects with those around him
or her. It is far more than mere
communication. Rather, it is a sincere
investment in the relationship with the
intention of creating BETTERMENT
for all.
We tend to label this contextual
gift with such terms as
enthusiasm,
expertise, people skills, communication
competence, proficiency, sensitivity,
and
even
charisma.
Yes, it is all of these
and more. It is the right combination
of personality attributes tailored to
the given leader, and it seems to be as
individualized and as unique as the
pattern of a snowflake.
Leader magic
is an intangible.
Perhaps the
leader magic
does not
come from the mastery of a certain
discipline, but rather it is a manifested
reflection of the values of the leader.
If this hypothesis is true, a successful
leader could adapt his or her leadership
skills to a multitude of learning areas.
While it is arguable, the leadership
skills would open the landscape of
possibilities to serve as a leader in any
situation, any organization, for that
matter—ANY CAPACITY.
There have been many lengthy
discussions bantering the reasons why
certain student leaders enjoy ongoing
success while others struggle to achieve
a similar level of accomplishment.
Undoubtedly, the controversy will
continue forever; however there
may be a clue to the mystery in the
following words of wisdom from the
pen of the popular Lebanese actor/
comedian, Danny Thomas:
“Success has nothing to do
with what you gain in life or
accomplish for yourself — it’s
what you do for others.”
Therein lies the common
denominator found in all successful
leaders: WHAT THEY DO FOR
OTHERS. Leaders are measured by
what they “give”—not by what they
have.
Leadership success is not about
the accumulation of various awards
and trophies; it is about creating a
positive atmosphere to support the
success of each and every person
who makes up the group, team,
organization, or community.
In the words of noted poet/
philosopher Kalu Ndukwe Kalu:
“The things you do for yourself
are gone when you are gone,
but the things you do for those
around you remain as your
legacy.”
…Strike Up the Band...
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser is a trusted friend to
anyone interested in working with young people
in developing a desire for excellence and a
passion for high level achievement. You can hear
more from Dr. Tim at the Convention/Clinic this
summer.
