During my decades in leadership positions, I learned through trial and (many) errors what people expect of all their leaders (two of the C’s) and what they hopefully get from a leader (the third one).
Competency. This is kind of non-negotiable. You can be a wonderful human being full of charisma but if you don’t know how many flats are in the key of concert B-flat, it really doesn’t matter. Students don’t expect us to be all-knowing, but they can instantly tell if their teacher hasn’t mastered the basics of their craft.
Character. Another non-negotiable. Students deserve to be taught and led by someone who is honest, compassionate (another C!), and dependable.
Consistency. This is something students value greatly in their teacher-leaders. If you’re always “pals” with the students but then come in one day and act like the reincarnation of William Revelli (if you don’t know, he was a masterful giant of the wind band world but a notorious tyrant) they will lose trust in you because they can never know which version they’ll get. Students don’t mind tough but fair leaders if they know your standards, expectations, and demeanor will be consistent.
