Kurt Masur: “An orchestra with too many stars can be a disaster.”
An orchestra has a conductor, a first chair or concertmaster, and an orchestra has a conductor. Being the conductor or the first chair carries a lot of prestige and recognition. In a dysfunctional situation, one might view himself or herself as the star of an orchestra. They don’t have to be stars. It is their job as leaders. All the prestige and recognition comes with responsibility. The conductor and the first chairs must be able collaborate. Sometimes, the conductor may need to be assisted by the first chair. To set an example for the rest of orchestra, the conductor must trust the chair in which he or she sits.
You are the project manager for a project team. You are the conductor. Who is your first chairperson? This person should be your first chair if you have a project leader or team leader. Your first chair should be someone you trust as a backup and a leader for your team. Who is your team’s first chair? This is your first chair. You have a problem if the person you trust and the one your team prefers to visit are not the same. Get to know the person your team members trust and what they see in them.
You don’t need the first chair. Find one. Find the person who inspires others and develop a strong collaborative relationship. You are not the project manager. You are not the first chair. Your job together is to keep everyone on the same page and working towards the same goal. It builds trust and confidence in the team when you are together. Your collaboration fosters their collaboration. Your first chair and you should model the kind of working relationships you want to see. You don’t have to act like stars or divas. Your role is to demonstrate to the team that you are a professional and trustworthy leader.
