Leadership Lessons from Music and Dance
I’m proud to serve as the President of the University of Oregon Alumni Association, and last week we held our winter board meeting. One of my favorite parts of being on the board is getting a closer look at what’s happening on campus. At each meeting, we hear from faculty, administrators, and students so we can better advocate for the university.
At our most recent meeting, we spent time with the School of Music and Dance. We heard from the Dean, learned about their pop music major, listened to a panel of impressive students about their rigorous routines, and attended a piano concert that was incredible.
I’ve always enjoyed music, but I’ve never played an instrument or studied it formally. Still, as I listened and learned, I couldn’t help but connect several of the themes back to leadership.
So cool to see 8 students playing 4 pianos during the performance
Music trains us to listen before we respond.
People who engage in music, especially ensemble work, develop stronger listening skills and sensitivity to timing and nuance. In leadership, this shows up as better collaboration, clearer communication, and fewer misunderstandings. Great leaders don’t rush to speak. They listen first.
Dance is one of the fastest ways humans build trust.
When people move in sync, the brain releases oxytocin, the chemical associated with trust and connection. Whether it’s a team, a board, or a workplace culture, shared experiences build cohesion faster than conversation alone.
Musicians and dancers are trained to fail publicly and recover.
Missed notes, wrong entrances, slips on stage — performers learn early how to adjust in real time and keep going. That ability to recover gracefully under pressure is a leadership skill, not just a performance skill.
Music strengthens memory by attaching information to emotion.
We remember things better when emotion is involved, which is why a song from decades ago can instantly transport us back in time. In leadership, stories and experiences help ideas stick far longer than facts alone.
The arts reminded me why I value being on campus and serving on the Alumni Association board. Seeing students perform, learn, and push themselves in real time was inspiring and reminded me that leadership isn’t just about execution and strategy. It’s about listening, trust, resilience, and creating moments that connect people. When we lead with those principles, we get better results and we create cultures that people want to be part of.
Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE Hospitality Leadership Development
Owner, Footers Catering
P.S. Do you want to create culture and connect with other leaders? Early Bird registration for the MIBE Workshop has begun!
