Today was the official first day of our management conference. The opening general session at 9:30am was particularly memorable. Accomplished conductor Roger Nierenberg presented the concepts behind his framework for leadership, The Music Paradigm, using a live symphony orchestra standing amongst the audience of over 450. He had the musicians play a movement from Brahms in various abnormal modes such as having orchestra members overplay their parts, and demonstrating how the orchestra attempts to play absent the conductor. In open microphone discussion with members of the orchestra and audience, many strong parallels were drawn between the dynamics of a live orchestra and large organizations. Here's more about Roger at Fast Company.

- mike lee - north bethesda, md