We were sitting across from each other—the boss of my boss and me. A meeting to explain why I had not been selected as a team leader. «Congratulations!» he said. «Because you were very close to the chosen candidate. It’s just that you don’t have the paternal skills to lead a team.»
The first part of the interview challenged us to use an example to describe the relationship between a team leader and their team. So, I decided to use the example I had related to most over the past 15 to 20 years: a symphony orchestra.
I’ve played as both first and second violin in two symphony orchestras in my hometown: the youth orchestra and the Trujillo Symphony Orchestra. Incredible experiences! It’s a level I don’t think I’ll ever return to—I have other interests now. But every time I hear classical music or even Peruvian folk music, I feel like my fingers start moving, my brain activates. It makes me very happy.
The example went like this: an orchestra needs a certain number of members and someone to conduct it. It also needs a goal: the piece to be performed. For those unfamiliar with the process, I’ll describe it briefly.
A piece is selected, and the members (who are not beginners) must come prepared for the ensemble. The conductor guides the orchestra through all the sections of the piece. These sections usually involve transitions—mainly changes in tempo and key.
The participation of the members is not the same throughout. Each member will have one or several moments where they execute what is required of them. Preparation and focus are essential. Instruments must always be in tune.
All of this serves to illustrate two points. The first is that the person who was chosen has a child. It turns out that, to be a leader, you also have to be a parent. If you’re wondering whether there were other reasons why I wasn’t chosen, the answer is no. That was the only reason.
The second point is that, for me, this is a true representation of leadership and teamwork. Everyone must do their part excellently, and the person leading must know what piece is going to be performed. It’s not an improvisation session.
Ave Migratoria 