By J.R. Digger MacDougall
Within communities, more and more volunteer, not-for-profit and even business organizations are seeking help in leadership training and development, because they know the importance of training and the benefits to individuals and the organization itself. Leadership Development is very important because it helps members and leaders understand themselves and others better, and prepares everyone for the progress and change needed to move forward.
Ontario District has always recognized the importance of leadership training. Ontario District held the first Chapter Officer Training School (COTS), which became Chapter Officer Training Seminars, now called Leadership Academy (LA). Ontario District has been, and continues to be, a leader in training Chapter Officers. The Society, District and Chapters are part of the formal pipeline for leadership training and development
People who study leadership know what Noel Tichy, author of the “Cycle of Leadership” was getting at when he said: “A well-designed leadership pipeline, discipline, and commitment are absolutely essential in order for an organization to assure that it will have the leaders it needs when and where it needs them. Without a deliberate and formal pipeline structure, leadership development is only random. Some leaders will emerge, but their emergence will not be predictable, there will not be nearly enough of them, nor will they have the diversity and level of skills of those who have been systematically taught and tracked.”
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.
– John F. Kennedy
To every man there comes in his lifetime that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered a chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talents.
What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which would be his finest hour.– Winston Churchill
Barbershoppers are fortunate to have access to affordable leadership training, whereas very few volunteer organizations in the world offer the extensive and comprehensive leadership-training program that exists within the Barbershop Harmony Society. In fact, many Chapter and District volunteer leaders have used the COTS / LA model to develop officers in organizations outside of the Barbershop community. Barbershoppers learn leadership through observation, participation, mentoring by other leaders and formal training at all constituent levels – Society, District and Chapter. As well as organizational officers, committees at all levels require leadership right down to the singing section leaders of a Chorus voice part.
Leadership is developed by a little bit every day, every meeting and every rehearsal. Barbershop leaders get a little better at communication, a little better at delegation, a little better at servant leadership, and a little bit better at listening to people. Small percentages in improvement can be observed, as leaders get better. No more than that. However, it is conscious and it is inspiring to be around as it is happening.
Leadership skill development is useful in all occupations and in all the roles we live as adults at work, in our homes, and in our leisure activities. There’s a process to becoming a leader and it’s up to you and every Barbershopper to not only learn what that process is, but be able to benefit from it. It is important to read about and study successful leaders. Observe and ask questions of people in Barbershop (and other organizations) whom you admire. Observe what do they do; what do they do right. You can learn from people who are successful and recognize those traits that enabled them to be successful. Do this at the Chapter; go to conventions and meetings at the District and Society levels, experience learning at all times.
There are two basic ways to move into leadership positions at the Chapter level:
- Volunteer for a leadership role then participate in formal training at LA, or
- Attend Leadership Academy then use your training as a Chapter leader
The advantage in both scenarios is that Barbershoppers will help you succeed. As much as you, they want good leadership and a worthwhile organization to which to belong.
Ontario District wants you to succeed as well and they will help you by providing training for and beyond the Chapter level. A major advantage of accepting a leadership position in a Chapter or higher level within the Barbershop community is that the organization will ensure you get the training and have access to the tools you need to do the job.
Ontario District Leadership Academy is scheduled annually in January. It offers a learning experience that has the informal setting of a Chapter meeting and an opportunity to share singing and learning with like-minded men and women. Yes women Barbershoppers of HI and SAI are joining us regularly at the District Leadership Academy.
- If you have never attended you will find a wealth of friends, teaching facilitators who are all Barbershoppers, an unforgettable learning experience at an “all in” affordable cost..
- If you have attended LA previously, you will have an opportunity to update leadership and singing skills in the same warm and personable environment with all the benefits you know.
Please remember that like your Chapter, Ontario District needs competent leaders to continue the good work that is being done today. Please discuss your attendance at Leadership Academy at your Chapter meetings. Make a commitment and plan to attend now.
To make your experience more worthwhile, ask your Chapter to sponsor one or more music educators from your community. Everyone benefits when we reach out to teachers, local choir conductors and music educators.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE
Chapters or individual men and women Barbershoppers are eligible to apply for financial assistance from the Sing Canada Harmony Scholarship Fund. It is a simple process that should be completed BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, in any given year. You can do this by completing the individual or group application form at www.SingCanadaHarmony.ca and applying through your Chapter Sing Canada Harmony Liaison or Chapter Sing Canada Harmony Chair.