Leading from the Second Chair

Do you ever wish you were the “main man” or “main woman” in life?  Are you tired of someone farther up the ladder hogging all the spotlight?

One of my favorite books in the past 10 years is a book called Leading from the Second Chair by Roger Patterson and Mike Bonem. 

And they remind us that what really matters in life is not status but influence.  And in my experience, those in an organization’s second or third chair often have more potential for impacting people’s lives or an organization’s direction than those in the first chair often have.  The book is worth a read if you’re chafing in your role as second fiddle.

I noticed this when I was attending worship at my church last weekend.  Everyone’s attention was directed towards the lead singer on the worship team.  She had a great voice, great mannerisms, and every eye was fixed on her because she was the leader. 

And the team sounded fantastic.  But then I happened to notice that morning a second woman, off to the side.  Few were looking at her.  But I realized that, with her harmonies, she was the one giving depth and beauty to the music. 

It reminds me of the story the late conductor of the New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein, once told.  When he was asked to name the most difficult instrument in the orchestra to play, he replied, “The second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm—that’s a problem.  And if we have no second fiddle, we have no harmony.”

So when you’re feel you’ve been put off to the side, think about the power you still have to bring beauty, depth and influence to the organization, family or community you’re called to serve.  And I’d love to serve you, too, to help you develop and share the unique power you’ve been given to impact your world.