Accompanying the next generation of leaders…
Early in Quiet Champions (page 24), I relay a conversation that my son Jameson and I had about what it means as a musician to “accompany”. His perspectives as a musical artist provided me with a very powerful metaphor – a metaphor that would come to life recently in Montreal when Anne-Marie and I would have the chance to see two of our kids LIVE in concert together.
I was relatively easy to identify as the dad – standing in the corner and brimming with pride to be at a concert where my daughter, Rose Angeline was the headliner. In the 24 hours before the concert, I had heard from multiple band members what a great leader Rose had been of the 9-person ensemble creating this show. How she had let everyone nurture the vision of what the ‘Prom Night’ theme would look and feel like. How she had been flexible on concept and firm on high standards. How she had invited people to dig down deep and contribute everything they had to offer. From the moment the show started, I was served up the great joy of seeing my kids and their friends take to the stage, engage the audience with all they had and create a remarkable musical experience for all involved.
In retrospect – and a bit unexpectedly – these ‘rock star’ moments were not my favourite memories – not the ones that made me the proudest nor the ones that have brought a smile to my face so many times in the days since.
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The opening act was a talented young woman named Catherine – already well known in Montreal’s French music scene. But tonight was special – it was her first time sharing a set of original songs in English. I was initially surprised to see Rose step out onto the stage with the backup singers. No eye contact, no cutesy smiles, no little waves to the audience. Just a quiet concentration on adding her voice to what someone else was creating. It was a beautiful thing to see. A kind of understated elegance that serves from the shadows and focuses the limelight on someone else.
When it was time for Rose to take centre stage – let’s just say she didn’t side-step that opportunity. She charmed the audience into the palm of her hand. She wore her heart on her sleeve. She giggled and flirted and improvised. She crowd-surfed. When it was time to let rip, @ros3angeline did not hold anything back.
And so, as Rose lit it up, my attention was drawn to Jameson in the back corner next to the drummer. You need to know that Jameson is a very accomplished musician. And a larger-than-life showman. But that was not the role he was playing on this stage. He was the big brother, the conscientious ensemble member, and a seasoned veteran of the local music scene. Watching carefully, listening intently, keeping the connection strong between all the band members. When it was time to accompany someone else, he showed me how a pro shows up.
I’ve never admired him so much.
I see a lot of folks relentlessly centering themselves in the limelight – vying for their share of a finite game. But I also see many of you in leadership roles playing the more sophisticated and infinite game – shining your light towards others to magnify their accomplishments, their potential and their light.
I think I am writing this to let you know that I see what you are doing. And it makes the world a better place.
Ian Chisholm
Partner and Co-Founder
and Author of Quiet Champions