I like pictures and metaphors because they can make something complex refreshingly simple.

Do you want to understand a career? Then imagine a piano.

Becoming a professional piano player starts with understanding your instrument.

You learn the first key. Then another. You practise. You discover what the other keys can do. Eventually, you learn to play music, using all parts of the piano — and, with experience, perhaps you even master it.

Then you decide to join a team. Now, imagine an orchestra.

You learn that being good at your own instrument isn’t enough. There are other instruments around you. They sound different. They work differently. And when you learn how to play together, something much better becomes possible.

You begin to understand the orchestra. You observe how the conductor influences the energy, emphasis, tempo and flow of the music through your piano and all the other instruments.

And then perhaps one day you become the leader. Imagine YOU are the conductor.

Now your job is no longer to play your instrument. It is to understand what each person contributes, help people play well together and create the conditions for the orchestra to perform at its best.

And right here is something else worth remembering:

The conductor doesn’t make a sound. The orchestra does!

For me, that simple picture captures a lot about professionalism, teamwork, diversity and leadership.

Complex ideas don’t always need complex explanations.

Sometimes we just need to find the right picture.

Learn Every Day.