Finding Your Rhythm

A maestro is one who has earned the distinction of greatness in their discipline. The designation is usually employed to describe a great conductor in the world of symphony. A few years ago, Mark Wigglesworth, an accomplished conductor, wrote an article detailing a compilation of traits and abilities musicians look for in a great conductor. The list is extensive;

‘A conductor needs good baton technique, rehearsal technique, musicianship, knowledge, interpretation, an ability to communicate, to stretch and challenge people, make the performance better than the rehearsals, be inspirational, have a good ear, clear thinking, reliability, competence, rhythm, expressive face, structural sense, ability to accompany, sense of style, suitability for repertoire, originality, knowledge of string bowing, an ability to collaborate, analyse and solve difficulties, explain why things need to be repeated, empower people, train people, make people listen.

They must not talk, over-rehearse, under-rehearse, or be musically detached.

‘They must have good manners, humour, respect, approachability, enthusiasm, encouragement, humility, positive spirit, patience, leadership, sincerity, audibility, creativity, an awareness of everyone, self control, strength of character. They must be relaxed, self confident, empathetic, punctual, motivating, polite, authoritative, realistic, interesting, charismatic, persevering, committed, well-dressed, even tempered. They must be good at English, popular with audiences, and show chastity, poverty, and obedience to the score.’

Anyone meeting this criteria would be qualified to lead any organization in the world and probably have a uniform bearing a large ‘S’ on the chest underneath their suit.

I love music and will listen to almost any genre. My playlist can jump from Megadeath, The Beatles, Gregorian Chants to Merle Haggard, John Anderson and various symphonies. The joke in my family goes something like “dad has a different type of music for each of his personalities.”

In my formative years, headphones and daydreams were a common companion. Reflecting, I realized that music influences our thoughts, moods and motivations greatly. A well thought out sound track for a movie is a significant tool in moving the story forward.
Curious, I ask “why?”

I believe there is something very basic inside the chaos of the notes that calls to us on a deeper level than we often realize. The implement that pulls the notes from their storm and places them into a meaningful state is rhythm. As I contemplate the efficiency of this system, I realize that rhythm does so much more than provide order to our music.

According to the great conductor and pianist Hans Von Bulow, “the musician’s bible begins with the words:In the beginning there was rhythm.” Perfect rhythm includes precision, energy and impetus. Musicians refer to this as forward motion.

Rhythm can order our chaotic lives if we recognize it, apply discipline and move forward. In Every One Communicates, Few Connect, John Maxwell shares an important lesson he learned as a young man; move with a sense of purpose. This movement should be the result of a disciplined rhythm.

Consider the applications of rhythm in your life;

Meditation – focus on the rhythm of your breathing.

Exercise – developing a rhythm to your work out times will improve your consistency.

Schedule – finding a rhythm to your daily schedule gives you control. (you manage time, time does not manage you!)

Writing/Journaling – developing a rhythm with your inner voice will allow you to find clarity .

Context – comprehending the existence of rhythm in the world around will lead you to a greater understanding of others and enable you to lead them to discovery and clarity.

Initially, you slow down and search for it, but eventually the rhythm becomes a presence that you recognize easily in yourself and others. You then tune your instruments and conduct your symphony as a Maestro, pushing forward as the rhythm dictates.

About the Author

Gary Sirkel is a Featured Writer for the John Maxwell Team Blog.