"The Title Doesn't Matter"

"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent." ~Douglas MacArthur

One of the sessions that I attended at the AMTA National Conference was on leadership and how to find your voice as a student and young professional. I chose this session because it sounded interesting...but if you know me, you are probably thinking something like "Why would she go to that? She doesn't have any problems being a leader or expressing her views." 

The reality is that even though I am a true extrovert, there are still times when I struggle with being a leader. It isn't always easy being the one who takes charge and puts in the countless hours of work without being recognized. That's why I went to this session..because lately I had been feeling overwhelmed and felt that I could have been doing a better job as a leader.

One of the biggest things that stuck out to me during the session was that "the title doesn't matter." This really stuck out to me because it was a reminder that you don't have to have a title in order to be a leader. As a music therapist, by showing up to a session and taking charge, you are being a leader.  By coming to class prepared and on time, you are being a leader. By attending you music therapy student organization meeting, you are being a leader...because it shows that you care. 

Often times the 'leaders' who get recognized are the ones who have the big title and are in charge of things...but we have to remember that a lot of the times the true leaders are the ones who show up day-in and day-out without being recognized. 

At the end of the session, the presenters shared quotes about leadership. The attendees shared which ones stuck out to them and why. Here is the quote that stood out to me:

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. ~Steve Jobs

This quotes was a reminder that if you are going to be a great leader, no matter your title, you have to be innovative.  We live in an ever-changing world, and we have to adapt. What worked 20 years-ago may not work today...and what worked 2 years-ago might not work today. As leaders, we have to be willing to adapt. The adaptations that have to be made may not be what you as the leader think should happen, but it is about adapting for the betterment of your group or followers.