The Melbourne Festival has just finished – dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia and outdoor events. Renowned and upcoming Australian and International artists and companies in Melbourne. Thought leadership at its best. So what did I learn about leadership?

We may not need what we assume is critical!

‘Trisha Brown Dance Company: From All Angles’. One of the interesting hallmarks of Trisha Brown’s choreography was dance without music. Yes – dance without music!

Until I saw it, I would have thought that music (or some sort of heard accompaniment) was critical to dance.

We may not need what we assume is critical. How could that apply to your leadership broadly, or your leadership of a particular project?

What’s on the side could be central

‘Opus: Circa and Debussy String Quartet’ was one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen. Dance and amazing acrobatics had me literally holding my breath and gripping my seat.

Like many dance performances (and unlike Trisha Brown!), there was music – a string quartet. Typically the music would be to the side, or even with a full orchestra, hidden in the pit. In ‘Opus’ the musicians were central to the performance. The performance began with them seated across the centre stage. During the performance the musicians were blindfolded, moved around the stage around by the dancers, and formed an integral part of the visual performance.

What’s usually on the side could be central. How can you apply this concept to your leadership? How could ‘support’ members of your team take centre stage? Could you profile leadership skills you have that are usually hidden in the orchestra pit?

I would love to hear about times you have taken leadership inspiration from unusual sources. Leave your comments here.