Getting In Tune
Both my boys have been learning to play instruments. My oldest has been working with the trombone and my youngest is learning the guitar. As they were gaining their musical skills it was a bit comical and, at times, painful to hear, but that’s part of learning! I’m the one who usually takes my youngest to guitar lessons on Mondays. Without fail, the instructor starts each session tuning his little guitar due to it getting used and bumped throughout the week. The strings always seem to need some tuning, which is exactly what leadership and my spiritual journey always feels like.
Music, dancing, vibrations, and sound are the analogies Jules Glanzer uses to explore leadership in his book, The Sound of Leadership. He says, “Leadership, like music, has no exact definition and varies from society to society. Each scholar, author, or popular speaker communicates a unique understanding and definition of leadership.”[1] I think it is important to note that he highlights and celebrates the fact that music has all kinds of genres, while he also identifies the common elements genres have that make it sound good.
Glanzer argues that leaders, “set the voice, tone, and mood of the organization. Like different genres of music, leaders have a personal soundtrack that permeates the entire organization.”
I think I am still discovering my personal soundtrack and genre which falls in line with Jules’ discussion on “knowing thyself”. Is my metaphorical “genre” or leadership style Jazz, Rock, R & B, Electronic, or Hip Hop? I can confidently say, despite living in Nashville, it’s not country and, sorry Jules, it’s not Gaither Homecoming music. I think I’m more jazz. Some structure, a vision, but room for spontaneity and creativity.
If all goes according to plan, in a couple of years, I will be transitioning into the lead pastor role at the church where I currently serve. Although I am the associate pastor, I am aware that it does not carry the same weight and pressure that the lead role does. This upcoming responsibility keeps me highly motivated to learn, grow, observe, and listen as much as possible. I also know my “soundtrack” or “genre” will be different from the current lead pastors, and according to Glanzer, that is perfectly fine and very natural, which is reassuring.
As I figure out my rhythm, which I’m realizing develops more over time, I do want to continue to prioritize the core components of leadership that Glanzer discusses which, not surprising, overlaps with many of the authors we’ve read like Edwin Friedman, Julian Treasure, Simon Walker, and Eve Poole. Listening has been a huge theme with our authors, but I like that Glanzer shares some important insights and cautions to help leaders think through which voices to align or get in tune with while listening.
He says:
-The majority voice is not always the right voice.
-The loud voice is not always the right voice.
-The passionate voice is not always the right voice.
Ultimately, these warnings lead into his next section which gives filters to help sift all the voices we hear through our vision, mission, values, resources and most importantly God’s voice. Over the last couple of years, I’ve seen how fear and panic can cause loud and passionate voices to dominate the air tempting leaders, I’m included in this, to fully buy in to those concerns and shift from the mission, vision, or values for the sake of appeasement or out of reaction. It’s a very real temptation, so the filters listed above must stay in a leader’s face.
Speaking of filters, after being immersed over the last couple of weeks in topics like capitalism, the Protestant work ethic, and the free market’s impact on community and faith, I could not help but wrestle a bit with Glanzer’s lens concerning resources. [2] He says, “When multiple voices are telling you what to do, in the end, the one having the resources to implement, is the one you listen to.”[3] Granted, this is said in the context of other filters and important questions he gives, but it could be interpreted as “Always, go with the voices that have the money and resources.” I agree that God leads through provision, but as Edwin Friedman argues, the loudest voices can be the most anxious and unhealthy, and unfortunately, they can also have the deepest pockets which is important to discern as well. [4]
Lastly, the most important voice to get in tune with, “the voice of the One”.
Glanzer gives a much-needed caveat to this one. How many Christian leaders and people have claimed, “God told me___”?[5] Jules mentions this potentially dangerous statement. After all, who can argue with respected leaders who claim personal divine messages? We can also pull out our Bible and use it as a source to support whatever position we want at the time. Throughout Christian history and in my own life I’ve been guilty and observed arguments shift from “The Bible clearly says….” to “The Bible says… but you have to understand the cultural context.” The biblical texts does not change, but our understanding of it does, especially the more we learn about its context, translations, nature, and composition history. This topic of biblical discernment touches on my NPO, so it’s easy for me to camp here, but to circle back to God’s voice.
When it comes to listening to the voice of the One, I will have to agree with the pattern set in Acts 15:28 that Jules quotes, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” This approach does not convey pride or infallibility since they qualify their decision with “It seemed good…”.[6] For me this illustrates two important things 1) Christian communities must create space for God to speak to them on current situations. 2) While listening and discerning, it is vital for Christian communities to exercise humility in knowing we are not perfect in hearing, translating, interpreting, or perceiving. However, this acknowledgement should never stop us from seeking, knocking, and asking for guidance so that we can get more in tune with God’s heart and voice while we express it in all kinds of genres!
Along with any comments, I would love to hear what you think your leadership style / “music genre” is with an explanation!
[1] Jules Glanzer, The Sound of Leadership, (Plano, TX: Invite Press, 2023),37.
[2] Max Weber, “The Protestant Ethic and the ‘Spirit’ of Capitalism and Other Writings,” Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics (New York: Penguin Books, 2002).
[3] Glanzer, The Sound of Leadership, 24.
[4] Friedman, Edwin H., Margaret M. Treadwell, and Edward W. Beal. A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix. 10th anniversary revised edition. New York: Church Publishing, 2017.
[5] Glanzer, The Sound of Leadership, 33.
[6] Ibid., 25.
About the Author
Adam Harris
I am currently the Associate Pastor at a church called Godwhy in Hendersonville, TN near Nashville. We love questions and love people even more. Our faith community embraces God and education wholeheartedly. I graduated from Oral Roberts University for undergrad and Vanderbilt for my masters. I teach historical critical Biblical studies at my church to help our community through their questions and ultimately deepen their faith. I love research, writing, learning, and teaching. I oversee our staff and leadership development. Before being at Godwhy I worked as a regional sales coach and director for Anytime Fitness. I've been married for over 13 years to my best friend and we have two amazing boys that keep us busy.13 responses to “Getting In Tune”
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Great post! I’m trying to figure out how I can make hair bands the soundtrack of my leadership but not sure they work. I like your use of jazz – some structure with room for spontaneity.
Ha, Hair bands lets see…. Counter cultural, Fun, Trend setting, Influential, and Over the Top leadership!!
Hi Adam, I love this self-awareness. “I think I’m more jazz. Some structure, a vision, but room for spontaneity and creativity.” I hope that doesn’t change and grows richer and deeper for you. I too have been noticing and surprised by the connection to listening so many of our books are making. Love, listening, and leadership are all so related. I did a google search today and was so tickled to find a TEDx video that addressed all three in under 15 minutes. I’m just sharing because because I enjoyed it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrdxOYEr9Bg
I really appreciate your insights here, “1) Christian communities must create space for God to speak to them on current situations. 2) While listening and discerning, it is vital for Christian communities to exercise humility in knowing we are not perfect in hearing, translating, interpreting, or perceiving.” How is your “holy imagination” envisioning these spaces?
In terms of my music genre, I’m not sure I know how to describe it. But after watching that Youtube video I need to dance more (something I only do when I’m cooking in the kitchen and listening to worship music by myself where no one can see me). I like loud music and I like dancing with my grandchildren. Help me out with a genre! Current favorite dancing song is, “I Thank God” by Grapeview Church.
Thanks for the response Jenny, its interesting how common themes keep poking their heads up in our reading. It brings a lot of confidence and comfort that these things work while leading.
I got you Jenny, here me out! Reggae, it’s good for dancing, it has themes of love, calm, inspiration, unity, and social justice. It’s great to sway to and to just feel the music. My wife and I went to a reggae concert at a wine vineyard (Matisyahu) with some friends and I enjoyed it way more than I thought. It was actually two Jewish guys, one with a guitar and the other beatboxed. They used a looper to make all kinds of sounds. It was amazing and transcendental.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M34GZXtT8M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_Vt4MlbM0c
Hi Adam! I’m intrigued by your insightful post!
I like your focus on the “leader’s genre.” It reminds me each leader/person has their own style and characteristics in leading others. Whatever our genre is, the most important thing is humility to listen to God’s voice. Regarding humility, you mention: “While listening and discerning, it is vital for Christian communities to exercise humility in knowing we are not perfect in hearing, translating, interpreting, or perceiving.” I’m in resonance with your thought, Adam.
However, in your ministry context, how do you bring the idea of exercising humility in hearing the other?
Thanks Dinka, the way we recognize humility in hearing the other is through genuine curiosity and asking their heart or thoughts on the matter at hand (the times we do it effectively that is!) The next part is the hardest, listening without interrupting, correcting, or defending.
Adam, I had a couple of thoughts while reading your post.
1. I wonder if while we are discovering the genre of music we ‘are’ if there is another option… could some of us potentially be led to invent our own genre? I find it exciting to discover artists who are blending styles and creating new ones, and I’m always interested in listening to bands who are continually reinventing themselves.
2. I so agree with your questioning the statement about resources. I was reading this part of the book (about filters) to my Senior Leadership Team as we were planning next year and when I got to that part where he wrote “the one having resources…is the one you listen to” I didn’t read it. While I believe there is truth to the fact that resources are needed to accomplish vision, I’ve found that listening too much to those with the resources is a dangerous pathway.
You’re speaking my language Tim. Creating our own unique genre’s and styles that work for us and our world is exciting and liberating.
I was wondering if it was just me or if others picked up on that portion, and it looks like others did. Thanks for sharing. Im sure he would put qualifiers on that statement if asked, but it made me pause a bit.
Speaking of bands that create their own way I ran across this one a couple of years ago and thought it was awesome. They mix rock and Indian music! Enjoy if you have not already heard them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFXhGeAODBA
Awesome post Adam! Love hearing about your kids learning to play instruments. I totally agree with your statement, “I think I am still discovering my personal soundtrack and genre which falls in line with Jules’ discussion on “knowing thyself”. I am still discovering my personal genre and soundtrack. I have found that the genre has changed depending on the different seasons in my life. How has your genre changed in your years of ministry?
I think my genre has changed from heavy rock that screams “fight the system” to “jazz” that has some structure but open to flow, and a bit more mellow. This is especially helpful with small boys!
Sticking with the analogy, I think I have moved from learning “other people’s music”, to creating my own as well and adding my own style. Thanks for the response Cathy!
Hi Adam,
You wrote,”1) Christian communities must create space for God to speak to them on current situations.”
This week I was speaking with Pastor Stu Cocanaugher one of my mentors for my NPO. We talked about the shift of the relationship between Christianity and Politics. Once upon a time, we looked at politics through a Christian lens, NOW there is a tendency to see Christianity through a Political lens.
Ouch…
What do you think?
Shalom…
What a layered question. To your last statement I agree 100%. Politics is a lens that shapes how we interpret our faith on both sides of the political spectrum, I think it’s always been the case, but I wonder if certain times in history it gets worse. It seems like it does.
For example, engaging immigration in a positive way, at least in the south, is many times viewed as a democratic or liberal issue, rather than one of faith, humanity, or Scripture which is the predicament you must be running into with your NPO. Thanks for the response.
My husband and I disagree about Jazz. I love Astrid Gilberto and Ella and most vocal jazz. I can’t stand when instrumentalists improvise. It’s messy, unpredictable and I can’t sense the next note or beat. I don’t like that! I live on spontaneity and love it! However, I realize I love spontaneity when I understand the boundaries and rules. Glanzer used the following as you noted: He says:
-The majority voice is not always the right voice.
-The loud voice is not always the right voice.
-The passionate voice is not always the right voice.
I am standing up against in my leadership right now against a loud and passionate voice. It is hard to stand against it especially when I am in leadership and I can’t defend myself agains such voices. I am having to force myself into a quiet space that is lacking meaning in order to hold firm. It’s hard.