My overarching philosophy as a choral leader can come down to these four words: “Wear your authority lightly.”
Of course that applies to not overstepping or abusing your authority. That should be obvious and universal.
But it also applies to every single interaction. My authority doesn’t make me more right than the singers I direct. It doesn’t make me more important, more special, more valuable. It just makes me the one in charge.
So I try to always wear my authority lightly: I try to show respect and offer dignity to everyone who comes in contact with my authority.
It’s harder, and it’s easy to misstep. But it’s important, and it’s valuable. The leader who doesn’t come to embody their authority is the leader who maintains fruitful and positive relationships with the people they lead.