Thriving Within Organizations

Part of succeeding in the musical field involves surviving and thriving as a part of an organization, whether it be a university, conservatory, ensemble, or opera company. However, becoming a new member of an organization may initially involve surviving at the very bottom of the food chain. Nicholas Bate has a list of 22 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand in the Large Organization, of which the following in particular resonated with me:

1. Be remarkably courteous at all times; but don't let anyone ever, ever mess with you.
6. Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room.
16. Own your career path.
20. Lead even if leader is not in your job title. 

And above all:

22. Know that when you lose your sense of humour you are doomed. 

The goal is to perform, teach, and administrate with skill, diplomacy, and tact so that your own professionalism will allow you to rise to the top of every situation.

from The Collaborative Piano Blog
http://collaborativepiano.blogspot.com/2017/02/thriving-within-organizations.html