Rehearsing Leadership: The Power of Practice and Feedback

The author, an Olivier‐nominated composer and leadership coach, believes that “just as theater depends on the rehearsal room, organizations thrive when they embrace leadership as a skill that can, and must, be rehearsed.” He discusses his experiences with what he calls “the magical power of rehearsal,” in his role writing the music for the London West End production of The Witches of Eastwick , collaborating on the writing with John Dempsey on Words, Words, Words , which ultimately and partly due to rehearsal “wasn't just a good song; it was a showstopper.” He follows that “leadership is no different. What can feel daunting at first—a tough conversation, a complex strategy, a presentation, a speech, or a moment of vulnerability—can, with rehearsal, become a leader's tour de force.” He notes that “a true leader, like a skilled composer, writes to the strengths of their people. They arrange work so individuals shine in their areas of talent and passion.” In discussing “the virtuoso moment,” he contends that “the leader who has practiced listening and asking questions in everyday settings will hear what others miss when the stakes are high. Virtuosity in leadership, like in art, is earned through disciplined rehearsal.”