TED Talk #288 – Lead like the great conductors

TED continues to spread ideas and help us all be better critical thinkers. Watching, listening and talking about TED Talks is a popular pastime for many in the CN&CO community. We visit TED.com regularly to clear our heads, have a laugh, learn or get inspired. TED Talks open our minds, spark new ways of thinking and can lead to some very interesting conversations and business opportunities. Each week we pick a favourite and publish it on a Tuesday, because we like how “TED Talk Tuesday” sounds. It’s also a way that the CN&CO team play their part in spreading ideas and helping to make the world a better place.

This TED Talk was chosen by Carel Nolte.

“First, take a breath. Then, wave your arms about in a way that makes it look like you know what you’re doing.” This is how I was taught to conduct an orchestra back in 2016 at the “Conduct an Orchestra” charity event organised by Business Arts South Africa (BASA) under the watchful eye of musical director and conductor Richard Cock. I learnt that confidence is the most important aspect of leadership. If you’re up there leading and no one believes you, you’re not going to get great results.

I have always loved music. I remember us bringing conductor Ben Zander to South Africa back in the day, when we all still worked at Hollard. His presentation was called “The Art of Possibility” and I remember him talking a lot about being a leader and how to get the right people to follow you.

I also regularly attend the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra season at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg, where I have sat in the same seat for decades.

And so when I came across this TED Talk by Israeli conductor and business consultant, Itay Talgam, I was immediately captivated. Itay explains how an orchestra conductor embodies the essence of leadership, guiding musicians to create perfect harmony without uttering a single word. In this captivating talk, he explores the distinct styles of six legendary 20th-century conductors, revealing powerful leadership lessons that resonate far beyond the concert hall.