The art of stepping aside: letting others shine

No matter if you're a music expert or not, we can all agree: there’s something magical about watching an orchestra perform. 

And, yes, I bet when we were kids, we all had that moment, waving a pen as if we were conducting, or playing with our hair like we were right there in front of an audience.

Have a look to this TEDx talk by Jules van Hessen, a musician and orchestra director, where he presents the deep impact of not always taking the obvious path. 

In conducting, as in life, it's not about controlling every beat; rather, it’s about knowing when to step back and let people find their rhythm, to trust that they will play beautifully on their own. 

True influence lies in creating space for creativity, connection, and growth. Jules’ journey led him to a surprising discovery. 

Observing his orchestra play beautifully without his direction, he realized that sometimes the most valuable role a conductor, or anyone, can play is simply to hold back. By not intervening, we allow others to listen to each other, creating a unique harmony that might not have been possible otherwise.

He shares this lesson suggesting we look to our organizations, families, and relationships with the same perspective. They are often more powerful than we think, capable of thriving on their own, with only a bit of added guidance to elevate them. 

The secret of inspiration, he concludes, is daring to avoid obvious solutions and instead seeking creative ways to add something unique.

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𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸, Nicola Arnese believes in the power of thoughtful guidance and respectful listening. Through personalized business, talent, or group coaching, he gently helps individuals unlock their potential and discover new harmonies in their professional and personal lives. Schedule your initial free, non-binding session and experience how holding space can foster genuine growth. Pro bono cycles also available.