Become a Business Leader by Practicing the Performing Arts
Photo Credit: Michael Zittel via Pexels
Become a Business Leader by Practicing the
Performing Arts
Working in a corporate office and performing on a stage might not appear to have much in common but they do have at least one profound similarity. In both environments, you can hone powerful leadership skills that you will carry with you everywhere in life. The performing arts traditionally include music, theater, and multiple varieties of dance.
Individuals of any age can enjoy a physically and spiritually fulfilling experience in their favorite form of performance. What’s more, taking part in the performing arts can equip you with leadership skills that are necessary for growth in the business world. Here are some tips from New York City Dance Week to get you started.
Assertiveness
In your work environment, the ability to assert yourself is one of the most important skills you can develop. The confidence that you build as you perform for your peers and for an audience is something that can carry you to greater career heights. Start by taking initiative at work, whether that means volunteering for a new task, voicing your opinion, or delegating tasks.
Asserting your worth leads to professional advancement, and asserting your team’s capabilities leads to shared opportunities. Mental resilience goes hand in hand with assertiveness, as it takes a strong mind to endure criticisms that may arise when you speak and act from the heart.
Creative Thinking
Acting, dancing, and playing music are all beautiful acts of self-expression. It takes certain creativity to adapt an on-stage role to your unique personality. Your creative thinking will only flourish further as you build a performance born from your own imagination.
Without such creativity, the business world would be a rigid place with no innovation. Even a modicum of flexibility is all it takes to solve everyday problems that would stump other leaders in your position.
If you feel stumped or you are in a rut, dance! Being active can help unlock the creative juices in your brain. And don’t worry. If dancing isn’t your thing – or it’s simply not possible where you are – then take a walk instead. Find an area with a good walk score, and take the opportunity to wander through parks and shops until you find your inspiration.
Problem Solving
When performers say, “the show must go on,” it’s because there is no option to cancel a production once it’s already underway on stage. In other words, quick
problem solving is a must because otherwise, you might leave your entire team hanging when they need you most.
The same holds true when a crisis occurs during a work project. Keeping calm under pressure is a telltale trait of leaders in any field. As you develop your skills, you will naturally be able to increase efficiency, make informed decisions, and recognize new opportunities at the best and worst of times.
Communication
Management professionals emphasize that open communication is absolutely vital to business success. Communication leads to trust, something that you can’t do without in the performance arts or in business. Every team relies on each member to play their part, and each person trusts that they will have the support they need when the time comes.
As you become more and more accustomed to communication, you will open yourself up to an increasing number of lucrative opportunities. Your colleagues all have talents that set them apart, and a strong leader knows how to approach individuals of all types with a willingness to collaborate.
Develop Your Skills to Lead Effectively
It can be said that business is not so different from the arts, all things considered. Success in either endeavor is something that can not be achieved alone. When you capitalize on the growing skills that set you apart as a leader, you may realize that the most effective leaders are the ones that work for their teams rather than above them. While these lessons can be learned over the course of your career, it could be that the spark of inspiration can only come by pursuing a passion for performance.
Embrace all the performing arts has to give by participating in New York City Dance Week as a dancer, instructor, or volunteer!
Written by: Sheila Olson, Guest Blogger