DISCURSOS - Rotary International

always ready and seldom complain. These Rotarians seem to know how to do everything. They
are often appointed sergeants-at-arms or aides to the RI president.
Frequently, there is another group attending the symphony — the music critics. They have opinions
and observations on every performance. In Rotary, these critics are frequently identified as
past district governors.
Just as the symphony orchestra is made up of many different instruments and players, you find
the same differences among the club leaders in your districts. Your job is the same as that of the
symphony maestro, who uses leadership skills to bring together the strings and woodwinds and
brass and percussion units into a symphony of beautiful music.
How will you do it? What kind of leadership will you need to blend and harmonize the Rotarians
in your district to create the concert you will direct during 2013-14?
Let’s look at the leadership skills of the symphony conductor, who
1. Is prepared. The conductor knows the music being performed. We say she “knows the
score.” The conductor continues to learn and practices every day to be a better leader.
The conductor is aware of all the notes, symbols, and marks that bring out the best in
each performer. Yes, the conductor is prepared and prepares her musicians for their best
performance.
2. Listens. The maestro listens all the time. He hears the slightest tunes that are off-key.
He listens to unique combinations of sounds and seeks the best. Yes, the conductor is a
listener — and then reacts!
3. Shares. The symphony leader is constantly sharing her experiences and giving instruction
based upon her knowledge and training. She sets the tempo, the volume, and a creative
feeling to the music. Yes, every conductor must be a sharing person.
4. Encourages. The great symphony maestro encourages each musician and recognizes the
exceptional performances in each musical selection. He brings this group up and tones
that section down as they interpret the entire composition. At every performance, the
conductor may take a bow — but he always recognizes the entire orchestra and always
pays tribute to the soloists. Yes, the successful conductor encourages and recognizes all
the players.
5. Develops. Symphony musicians are seated by level of performance, and the conductor
is constantly developing the musicians to move up to the first chair. As you know, the
first violin player is the concertmaster and sits in the chair nearest the conductor. In each
section, the maestro is developing players, to enhance their musical talents and move
them to higher levels of performance.
The interesting thing is that these five leadership skills of the symphony conductor are almost
identical to the leadership skills of successful Rotary district governors.
The successful district governor is carefully prepared.
In your district, the governor is the one who is aware of the plans and goals of the Rotary International
president. The governor is knowledgeable about the policies, bylaws, and customs of
Rotary, and those within his or her district. The governor is prepared to give a year of committed
leadership to help the clubs and district reach their established goals.
The successful district governor is an excellent listener.
Governors who do more listening than talking will usually be the better leaders. As you listen,
you will become aware of the strengths and weaknesses that should be utilized and addressed.
It is amazing what you can learn when you just listen. The governor who is aware of the issues
within the clubs will always be better prepared for effective action.
48 International Assembly Speeches 2013