LEADERSHIP STRATEGY: ACHIEVE WORLD CLASS. AND STAY THERE
Harmony, a primary factor in reaching world class
Much can be learned from what it takes to elevate a male chorus to world-class status and keep it there. The talent and the hard work of individual singers, although essential, will not suffice. Success demands the shaping of a “peak performance” *culture. The leader, along with personal talent, drive, and commitment, must move the group away from responding only to the execution of personal authority and move them towards motivating and managing themselves. * culture is best defined as, “collective habits used by a group of people to get things done”.
by LSI Publisher Art McNeil
I didn’t understand what I was hearing that night, but the hair on the back of my neck stood to attention each time an exquisitely blended chord lifted the music hall’s rafters. The experience moved me to rearranged my life, and do what it takes to join The Heralds of Harmony, an award winning male chorus from Tampa Bay who sing in classic Barbershop Style. Learning the craft of this uniquely American art form ranks among the most arduous yet rewarding experiences of my life—right behind marriage and the raising of children.
In barbershop singing, inherent skill, unrelenting discipline, and unbridled passion combine to produce an effect that has been called; the barbershop seventh, ringing the chord, and angel’s voice. Ringing a chord is a perfect example of synergy—where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This singing style performs “a cappela” (without accompaniment). Four sections, lead, tenor, baritone, and bass —when singing a chord in perfect pitch, resonance, and timing—create a fifth part, seemingly out of mid air.
In the shift age, an equal level of harmony will be required to differentiate a company from the competition. The following summarizes what is required to shape and maintain a success oriented culture:
10 characteristics of a “peak performance” culture
- .There is a focused vision of the preferred future
- Cultural -values are clarified
- Members agree to supersede personal beliefs with the group’s shared cultural-values.
- An ethics platform is declared and rigorously enforced
- A “master brand” is created that declares a value promise
- Strategic and task processes are documented with specific goals and measures for the:
- production of audience delight
- development of performance excellence
- management of business
- recruitmentent and maintenance of compatible members
7. Two essential skills are taught and reinforced (championed by the leader)
- How to effectively recognize a cultural values contribution (inspire self and others
- How to deliver and receive performance redirection (discipline)
8. The recruitment process vets for: talent, sharing the vision, adherence to cultural norms
9. Performance redirection happens when standards are not met
10. Chronic offenders are released