When you look at social media, it almost seems the culture of music educators is busyness. We read about directors moving from rehearsal to rehearsal, barely keeping up with email, juggling logistics from concert to concert. “Busyness” has almost become a badge of honor.
Sharing how busy we are seems to be a sign of how great a job we are doing. However, as we scroll further, we see signs of burnout. We hear about trouble at home. Or worse, we hear about a talented director leaving the profession all together.
What’s interesting is that when I speak with some of the most successful directors, they are not frantic or overwhelmed. They are intentional. Don’t get me wrong. Their calendars are packed. But everything they plan is done with intent. There is meaning behind when they do things and more importantly WHY they do things.
“Busyness” makes us feel like we are doing something. And often “busyness” can be mistaken for success. Busy directors are rarely idle. They fill their days with tasks. Their calendars are full of obligations. And their energy is dwindling. Yet despite the busyness progress seems to be non-existent.
The most successful directors make decisions based on the vision they have for their ensembles. The first step to effectiveness is defining the vision you have for your program. Clearly define all elements of your vision: Musicianship, Growth, Community Support and School Support. This vision becomes the compass for your program. And the decisions you will make will be weighed on whether that decision will bring them closer to their vision. An effective director’s time and energy is focused on the priorities tied to long-term success.
Being effective allows you to say yes to the decisions that align with your vision and to say no to things that won’t move your program closer to your goals. Effectiveness isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most. Consistently. Over time. Shifting from “busy” to effective doesn’t require more time. It requires defining what you want to accomplish and making sure you align and prioritize the things you do with the vision you have.
Take time to create a vision for your ensembles and begin the shift from “busy” to effective. Clarify priorities. Calculate the impact of activities. Say no to things that don’t align with your mission. Measure your progress by outcomes rather than activity. The shift is a process. Effectiveness isn’t a personality trait; it’s a learned skill. The process of developing a vision creates clarity. And you accomplish it through planning, evaluating your effectiveness and planning your next steps.
When you move from being active to being intentional, your program becomes stronger. Your focus becomes more sustainable. And your accomplishment becomes more fulfilling and rewarding.
