factors contributed to that — great composition, wonderfully written parts, brilliant musicianship and…good leadership.” Joe spoke up, “I disagree — tremendous leadership.” Maestro turned to Joe. “Now apply this to your business: “What is your composition, the essence of your company that shouldn’t be tampered with? Is it being protected? “What are the different sections that make up your business? Are you excluding any sections that could enhance and enrich your business? “Who are your performers, and are they playing the right roles? Are they able to play within the team, or are they strictly soloists? Is the audience moved by their performance? “Who is the conductor, and is that conductor leading and inspiring and also able to realize that sometimes he should hand the baton to someone else who is more quali昀椀ed? Is the conductor willing to be 昀椀rm or sensitive? “What are the attributes and nuances that you can utilize? Are these nuances being used to enhance your business, or are they overlooked?” Reader: Please apply these questions to your business before seeing Joe’s responses. Joe applied the Maestro’s lessons and quickly responded, “Well, the composition — the essence would be our essence, our brand, our values.” Joe thought, No wonder I felt uncomfortable with my team’s presentations — they didn’t re昀氀ect our essence, they were scattered and confused. “Our umbrellas have a great reputation; they’re fun, unique, colorful and affordable — that should be preserved, protected and nurtured. “Our sections are the divisions, departments, regions — the various groups that play roles in our business. As we’ve grown 15