At a recent concert, the conductor claimed he was tired and asked for volunteers “age 15 or under” to conduct the last piece. A brave, young girl came forward and took the baton for the first time.
The actual conductor helped the orchestra cue the first note and stepped in to indicate the last, but his stand-in technically handled the rest. What a thrill for her, and perhaps the start of a new avocation.
Of course, his feigning tiredness was a ruse to get some audience interaction, and it worked. The switch added a bright spot to the performance as the young volunteer received rousing rounds of applause, and it cost nothing.
Think of how you can interject something unexpected into your organization’s routine. The novelty may strike a positive chord with all involved.
