© 2009 Vinny Ribas
Every business has a leader – someone who establishes the personality, attitude, work ethic, moral standards and code of conduct for the rest of the company. The person who founded the company automatically takes on that role from the very first day. Oftentimes he (or she) doesn’t even realize the impact he is having or that he is setting the tone for the way the entire company will run and conduct business. He is the example to follow, and everyone looks to him for guidance and direction.[private_member]
When the founder does not fit naturally into that role, it is common for someone else to eventually emerge as the natural leader. Unfortunately, because that person has no real stake in the future success of the company, he is often far from what the founder of the company really wants or needs as a role model.
As an artist, you have this exact same challenge. Your act is your company, and you are the founder and inherent leader. Your band members, techs and even your fans all look to you for cues on how hard to work, on how to dress, on how professional they need to act and much more. They also rely on you to set the tone for every performance, rehearsal, songwriting session etc. If you’re late, they assume that it’s OK for them to be late. If you don’t care how you look, they won’t be concerned how they look. If you’re visibly angry or depressed going into a performance, it automatically affects the band, and ultimately, the audience. Everyone ultimately follows your lead.
If you are not a natural leader, be sure to hand pick someone in your band or elsewhere on your team as the leader. Find someone with strong leadership qualities and who shares your work ethic, morals, standards etc. Make it known that they have your blessing as the ‘go to’ person. Make certain that they always have your best interest in mind, and compensate them generously for watching out for you. If you don’t, you may find yourself with a leader who is pushing his own agenda instead of yours.
[/private_member]
//
//
