The Music is in Me

With todays' focus on data and techniques regarding leadership, I think it is easy to forget the most powerful component of leadership possible - the person of the leader him/herself.

I have a favorite story that is true originating during the Great Depression here in the US. Times were tough and people made money any way they could. There was a gentleman who played the violin beautifully, but no one would pay money to come and see him. In addition to his name he decided to add to his billing, “playing his Stradivarius.” People flocked into the concert hall just to hear his famous violin.

He would begin each concert the same way. He would play a beautiful piece. The crowd was spellbound and in awe at the sound of such a beautiful instrument. Then at the height of their rapture, he would stop playing and smash the violin on the floor. The crowd would gasp in horror at the shocking scene taking place before their eyes.

Then the gentleman would reach into a case and pull out the REAL Stradivarius. In the midst of the great hush that would come over the crowd, he would whisper to the audience.

“Never forget; the music is in me!”