In this incredible TED Talk (which I keep watching over and over again), Benjamin Zander explains about the transformative power of classical music.

One of the key elements he talks about is the idea of impulses while playing a classical piece of music. Zander explains that new musicians begin to play piano with lots of impulses, bobbing their head on every note. He says that the key to classical music is being able to play an entire piece of music with one impulse. (You have to watch how he illustrates that idea. It’s hilarious and so true!)

Leadership is exactly the same way. When one begins to be a leader, they are leading “by the book.” What I mean is, they are taking what they are learning about leadership and people and are creating a system around it. For beginners, leadership can often be about following a step by step process. It’s a scientific process.

As one becomes more experienced and skilled in leading, the process becomes more art than science. The impulses are less visible, to the point that the experienced leader, like the experienced classical musician, is leading with just one impulse that plays through the entire leadership moment.

I still lead with lots of impulses.

My goal is to be more like the “one impulse” classical musician when it comes to my leadership. It is not anything that I can learn from a book, blog, or podcast. It comes with experience and wisdom.

Question: Where are you on your journey of leadership? Are you leading with lots of impulses and with just a few?