Teach Like a Conductor

I recently watched a musical group rehearsal and was especially interested in the conductor’s method of carefully evolving improved competency.

He insisted that the group sight-read the entire piece of music, regardless of how many mistakes were made (and there were many). Despite the initial challenges, he drove the group to finish the piece the first time. Once the first run-through was complete, he praised the group for their patience and found several ways to compliment the musicians, even though it took a lot of work to find much good. This emphasis on finding positive aspects in the process instilled a sense of optimism and hope in the musicians.

The conductor immediately went to the most challenging passage in the music where there were many problems, and patiently worked each section through their parts until they were more confident. Amazingly, the quality of the performance had improved significantly.

The next step was to go to the second most troublesome part of the music, and he did the same. This was repeated, and the quality progressed until all of the challenging parts of the score were at an equal level of competence.

After addressing the challenging parts, the conductor returned to a complete run-through of the music to identify areas for further teaching and reinforcement. His consistent doubling back to the problem areas, coupled with constructive encouragement, not only allowed confidence to soar but also inspired the musicians to deliver a near-flawless performance.

You quickly compared my story to how you and your team manage employee performance. So, let’s recap what will work for you and your business.

1. When teaching a new method or process, run through the entire process entirely and look for good things to say
2. Find the most troubling area that needs work and drill until it’s good
3. Go to the next most troublesome area and do the same
4. Reinforce, persuade, encourage, and raise expectations.
5. Enjoy the applause

As the leader of your business, you are the conductor, and one of your responsibilities is to teach your people.  When you are ready to master how to teach like a conductor, click here for a complimentary video call with me.

Coach Dave