Successful music leaders are known for their sense of humour which comes from a deeper understanding of life and people. It is a skill that often seperates them from the rest. Recently I came upon this delightful anectode, featuring the famous pianist Arthur Rubinstein. To give it a title, I am sure we could name it The Lesson of Life.
A friend of Arthur Rubinstein recalls:
We . . . awaited him in the restaurant. He entered, sat down at the table, ordered drinks in Italian (from the eight languages he speaks he selects one as an ordinary man would a tie), and started to apologize: ‘So sorry to be late. For two hours I have been at my lawyer’s, making a testament, What a nuisance, this business of a testament. One figures, one schemes, one arranges, and in the end—what? It is practically impossible to leave anything for yourself!
Is humour a leadership skill you possess? Do you think it would make you a better leader?
Arthur Rubinstein was a Polish-born pianist, considered one of the greatest pianists of all times. He is renowned for his interpretation of Chopin but also for his unique sense of humor!
Josh Janvrin
/ May 20, 2013The deeper understanding of life and people must come from the extraordinary time great artists spend in reflection. Many great performers use a think:play ratio of 80:20 or even greater. I heard Krystian Zimerman mention 12:1 during one interview. Think little, you’ll understand a little, and be a little funny. Think a lot, understand a lot, and kill it when you’re ordering drinks. 🙂
bibipelic
/ May 21, 2013Josh, thanks for your comment. During my studies, my professor at one point told me to practice less and instead go for walks and think!