The following contains excerpts from the book, The Mentor Leader (Tony Dungy).
At our music school in Odessa, Texas be believe that music is more than sound, it is relationships. In dealing with the subject of relationships, the subject of Leadership becomes important.
Tony Dungy, coach of the Indianapolis Colts, shares his own life experiences, as well as the life experiences of other Pro teams and leaders in this Christ-centered leadership book. In the book’s introduction, Dungy states, “Leadership consists of principles and skills that are accessible to anyone and everyone. They aren’t necessarily intuitive, but they aren’t terribly difficult, either. Mentor leadership can be taught and learned; but in order to be absorbed, it must be practiced…Mentor leadership focuses on developing the strengths of individuals…Mentor leadership works best when the ones being mentored are aware that the mentor leader has a genuine concern for their development and success…Mentor leadership is all about shaping, nurturing, empowering, and growing. It’s all about relationships, integrity, and perpetual learning. Success is measured in changed lives, strong character, and eternal values rather than in material gain, temporal achievement, or status.”
We desire to see students in our music school in Odessa, Texas develop wholistic lives, not just musical development. It is our joy to see life-skills developed in the lives of each of our students.
The Moments of a Mentor Leader
Moments of influence can come unexpectedly, and may even seem inconsequential, but the author encourages, “Don’t worry about the size of your platform or whether you’ll have one- you will. Instead, pay attention to the people around you and the opportunities in front of you, knowing that your chances to make a positive difference will come along in due time…You are in a place that no one else occupies…Don’t worry about your platform; focus on your impact. One way or another, you will have a platform. God will supply it. How you use the opportunities you’re given to affect the world around you will determine the legacy you leave behind. It’s up to you to use whatever platform you’re given to be a positive influence in other people’s lives.” The author quotes Benjamin Disraeli, “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.”
One of the greatest things we can do for students in our music school in Odessa, Texas is to help them discover their unique talents and giftings. Once the student becomes aware of their own uniqueness, they them can begin to develop these areas to their fullest potential.
The Model of a Mentor Leader
A mentor leader must consistently model what he believes. “You can tell the world who you are, but the you they see in action will be the you they remember.”
At our music school in Odessa, Texas we believe it is important for our teachers to model to our students what successful artistry and character can look like, providing them with a positive example to follow.
The Means of a Mentor Leader
To have a successful team will produce greater results than just going it alone. “Efficient, high-performing teams create a level of camaraderie. It isn’t necessary that all teammates become the best of friends, but a level of respect and appreciation will characterize teams that are truly maximizing their output. For maximum achievement and sustainability, it helps to view your followers as volunteers, which requires a different approach from the authoritarian or autocratic leadership that used to characterize many organizations. That high-control management style might be appropriate in certain situations, but I don’t’ believe that type of leadership has a long shelf life…The culture you create permeates everything you touch…If you want to develop mentor leadership, you must foster a culture that supports it. Get the culture right, and you’re on your way. To create this culture: 1) Truly value others, 2) Don’t see yourself as above service, 3) See yourself as an ambassador for God.”
The author continues, “If the mission is all about you as the leader, you’ll never get anyone to follow you for any reason other than that they have to- which will only get you so far. As a leader, you’ll be rewarded when your group achieves its goals- and you should expect to be rewarded. But those rewards can’t be your primary motivation. You have to derive satisfaction form seeing your group flourish and achieve its goals and to see everyone reap the benefits of that success. Remember, too, that mentor leaders are prepared to allow others to receive the credit, for the betterment of the entire organization. To succeed as a mentor leader, put other people first.
One of the best things we offer students in our music school in Odessa, Texas is the opportunity to participate in ensembles and group collaboration. This develops an understanding of teamwork that goes beyond only musical expression and has life-changing implications.
The Methods of a Mentor Leader
Following are the methods of a mentor leader:
Engage
“Too many leaders think- mistakenly- that they must stay aloof and above the fray…I believe it is critical for mentor leaders to engage with those they lead. It’s impossible to mentor from a distance. Without engagement, you cannot lead effectively. You cannot mentor with empathy…If you do not engage with those you serve, you will never understand them or know enough about them to be able to have a positive effect in their lives.”
Dungy learned to have an ‘open door’ policy. “I rarely closed the door to my office, unless I was in a private meeting. I wanted everyone in the organization to know that they could come see me whenever they wanted. A true open-door policy is a matter of attitude and approachability…whether intentionally or unintentionally, have you created an aura of detachment?”
Educate
“Education is an essential building block of mentor leadership. Because mentor leadership is all about helping others become the best they can be, it is built on a foundation of teaching, helping, and guiding.”
Equip
“Mentor leaders create an environment in which others can be productive and excel. They set the parameters and guidelines for the task, project and continually recast the vision, and then provide the tools and equipment needed for everyone to be successful in their assignment and to ultimately accomplish their mission. In essence, they strive to furnish what is needed for the task- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually- and to accomplish the mission.”
Encourage
“Encouragement is the fuel that powers our efforts to engage, educate, and equip. Nothing does more to lubricate the rough spots than a good dose of encouragement.”
Empower
“Once the people you lead are ready, it’s time to turn them loose. But not before they’re ready…That is true empowerment: preparation followed by appropriate freedom.”
Energize
“Great leaders energize and inspire those they lead. Even as they face their own daily struggles and stresses, mentor leaders look for ways to energize and motivate the people around them.”
Elevate
“The ultimate goal of every mentor leader is to build other leaders. The regenerative idea that leaders produce leaders, who in turn produce leaders- is a powerful concept for mentor leaders and their organization. At the heart of this regeneration is the principle of elevation– raising people up.”
“Some leaders don’t want to be replaced. They think it reflects better on their leadership abilities if the organization simply can’t run without them, and thus they are tempted to leave others in the dark. I’ll say it again: That is a sign of poor leadership. I always wanted the teams I coached to be in better shape when I left than when I got there. I also wanted the organization to continue to thrive after I was gone. That’s how I saw my job as a mentor leader.”
The author concludes, “Some mentoring relationships last for years and result in deep friendships. Others can happen in a moment of sharing the wisdom of your experience with someone standing right before you. The key is to look for opportunities and be ready to act.”
At our music school in Odessa, Texas we have students that maintain relationships with us over the years, who express their gratitude for their personal development in music more than learning music. It is our joy to have been a part of their lives in a meaningful way.