o rpheus and leadership xingshu zhen jesse jaycee josh justin
TRANSCRIPT
ORPHEUS AND LEADERSHIP
Xingshu
Zhen
Jesse
Jaycee
Josh
Justin
ORPHEUS’ BACKGROUND
• Founded in 1972 by cellist Julian Fifer
• The first conductor-less orchestra
• A self-governing organization
• Developed a unique leadership process
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM ORPHEUS?
4 aspects of leadership:
1.Motivation
2.Decision making process
3.Performance – group/individual
4.Work
MOTIVATION
Traditional orchestras provide stable income but no motivation. Job satisfaction comparable to that of a prison
guard.
Orpheus revolutionized the work environment
Freedom for members to communicate ideas
Accountability as a motivator
MOTIVATION
From conductor only
Led by conductor
Low
Conductor takes ownership
From all members
Self – governing enterprise
High
Everyone
Traditional Orchestra’s Orpheus
Ideas
Involvement
Creativity
Accountability
EVERYONE IS A LEADER(JUST NOT ALL AT ONCE)
Stage 5 organizationStage 3 organization
DECISION MAKING PROCESS
Collaboration and consensus
Decreased time spent on decision making process
Concert Master Plays many important roles
Planning
GROUP PERFORMANCE
Versatile members Ability to work with strangers and in different
arrangements
Open feedback No feedback is taken personally
Key performers always present At least one full time in each core group
Unique structure No conductor
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
Performance and preparation helps discover and develop individuals’ strengths.
WORK: Musical Chairs in the Talent Market
No dedicated full-time members (play all shows). Why? Financially, no member of Orpheus can afford to
perform every concert.
Using outside sources Freelance musicians Only 27 musicians are full-time members of
Orpheus
WORK
Different cast ≠ Different performance How? High level of involvement expected.
When is Orpheus no longer really Orpheus? How many critical members need to be present
for Orpheus to remain a functioning coherent group?
WORK
Ensure each section has at least one experienced Orpheus musician. Either experienced freelance or a full-time
member.
WORK
Member Input Members and subs are expected to participate
equally. Divide the principal roles among each section
member.
THAT’S A WRAP!
MOTIVATION Guided by creativity and accountability
DECISION MAKING PROCESS Everyone is a leader Collaboration and consensus
PERFORMANCE Group versatility, feedback, and unique structure Individual growth through practice and
performance WORK
ORPHEUS LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
Motivating employees is very challenging
The decision making process should allow for creativity and open discussion
Performance can depend on ones comfort level in various circumstances
work
QUESTIONS?