The Sound of Leadership

In the wake of a holiday that invites us to celebrate love in all its wonderful forms, I thought I would take this opportunity to share with you a love of mine: music. It is a passion that has not only shaped my identity but has also profoundly influenced the way I approach life and education.

My love for music spans across genres, from the enchanting melodies of classical compositions to the syncopated beats of reggae and the resonant tunes of new wave 80s music. I grew up listening to classical music in my father’s car—the only kind of music he allowed to be played over his car stereo—and the voice of Boston’s classical music station, Robert J. Lurtsema, was the voice of my childhood. Music has been my constant companion. Its ability to drop me into cherished memories, seemingly alongside the people with whom I share those memories, is powerful.

In high school, I played the clarinet and now, in adulthood, I am learning to play the drums. Playing instruments has only deepened my connection to music. It also made me aware of a truly universal gift that my passion for music has given me: the ability to be an exceptional active listener. I revel in dissecting musical pieces, identifying different instruments, and appreciating the nuances of sound. But, of course, the art of listening extends far beyond the realm of music. It is a fundamental skill that plays a pivotal role in our classrooms and in our lives. Just as I enjoy listening intently to a piece of music, so, too, do I enjoy a thoughtful conversation with someone who offers a different perspective from mine. True listening is an active process, one that opens the door to a profoundly changed, wider worldview.

In the heart of conversation lies the opportunity for a paradigm shift. When we truly listen to understand different perspectives, we gain an enriched appreciation of the individuals with whom we interact. This awareness becomes a bridge, breaking down barriers rooted in differences of opinion, identity, and background. In my role as Head of School, I lean on the strength of active listening daily. Learning about a school’s unique culture, recognizing how that culture came to be, and figuring out how it can shift to best serve our students is one of my key roles as a school leader. At its core, active listening calls upon the listener to seek understanding. Sometimes, in order to fully discern what a student, parent, or teacher is conveying, I seek to “hear” what is left unsaid. So, too, must a leader test her assumptions or blind spots as part of listening. Some of the most difficult conversations I’ve engaged in—and some of the most rewarding—involve a discussion that starts with an assumed understanding, moves to confusion, and eventually clarifies to a meaningful, shared understanding. Being able to decipher unexpressed or unrealized hopes, fears, and aspirations is key to the kind of deep listening that helps to foster a community that is connected and resilient. 

At Marlborough, there is intentional work done to build a diverse community—in every sense of the word. This community provides a platform for a rich tapestry of viewpoints and experiences to converge, allowing our students to have a window into people’s experiences and lives that are very different from their own. It allows for the possibility of a deeper appreciation for what needs to change to affect our world for the better. This possibility only becomes tangible if all community members commit to training our ears to listen to understand, rather than listening simply to respond. Our students work to hone this skill in their classrooms every day. This meaningful engagement with their peers and teachers—each of whom offers their own unique perspectives, life experiences, and world views—is what makes our students so well poised for leadership. 

I invite each of you to explore the transformative power of listening. Whether your entrée to it is through your favorite podcast, soundtrack, album, or meaningful conversation with someone you love, it is such an important skill to hone. As you do, notice how your world opens up in ways you might never have imagined.

Wishing you all the best and that only your favorite songs are played when you turn on the radio.