Using Outside Perspectives

Did you know that the average CEO reads 60 books a year? That number was striking to me. I am nowhere as busy as a CEO and there is no way I could read that many books in that time (trust me, I have tried). That made me wonder. Why is it such a priority for CEO’s to expose themselves to new information? And how could I apply those values to my job?

We all have our own teaching styles, design techniques, and leadership plans. Because of this, we often forget that viewing an object through a different lens can provide new opportunities and growth. Let’s talk about how you can do this in your programs purposefully. 

1. Encourage or help support your students going to outside learning opportunities such as camps, spin clinics, or auditions for independent groups. 

The more your students are exposed to outside teachings, especially of top quality, students will be able to critically think about higher-level skills. You know how children can hear advice from their parents 74 times but they hear it once from a new source and it clicks? This is similar to teaching. New teaching styles and new information can support your students and ensure YOU are pushing them to the best of their ability!

2. Bring in outside clinicians. 

Even when you have rock staff members, bringing in top clinicians to get an outside perspective of your show or student’s skills can help guide your season. Whether it is for design help for you and your staff or a clinic/leadership activity for your students, this provides an opportunity to break up the monotony and provide new, energizing information that can transform your seasons.

3. Prepare for critique or judge feedback

We have all been there. You hear information from judges that you do not agree with. The real question is: how do you respond? If you are hearing a comment every week, it might be time to consider adjusting or clarifying parts that are not coming through the way you thought. The key to this is remembering that your show is always a work in progress. Even on the last day of your season, there is room for improvement of your program. Winning and scoring well is not the reason to listen to the judges. Creating a clear and great version of your program for your students should be the goal – how are you allowing professionals to guide you in that process?

4. Take advantage of educator learning opportunities 

There are many conferences that music educators can go to learn from top professionals – WGI also does a great job providing resources and opportunities for arts educators. With the current times, it is hard to find meaningful professional development. There has been an uptick of interviews and podcasts that have been released recently by top professionals and members of our community. When I have listened to these different stories, tips, and experiences, I have learned a great deal that I intend to apply in my future experiences. Every adjustment that I can make will better my students and the educator that I am. The opportunities are out there. Are you willing to take the time to grow?

Taking the time to expose yourself with other ideas is the most important and proven way to grow – as people, as educators, and learners, and as leaders. What are other ways you have applied outside perspectives to your programs?