Lessons from Australia and Being Part of a Strong Team

I spent three weeks on tour in Australia with an excellent chamber orchestra. The group plays together with great intensity almost constantly, and I (along with a number of other musicians) were brought in to augment their numbers so they would be able to perform some larger scale works.

It was interesting to observe how highly functioning they were as an ensemble--both musically and interpersonally, and I came back with some thoughts I wanted to remember and apply:

1. Keep seeking excellence. Always be growing and pushing yourself.
2. Read. Readers are leaders.
3. When needed, get out of the way and forgive others when they don't.
4. Seek/accept constructive feedback.
5. Use sarcasm sparingly. People are often more sensitive than one may think. 
6. We're all trying. Recognize and acknowledge that, even when something doesn't meet your expectations.
7. Exercise. Imagine you were given a vehicle to drive when you turned 16. How well would you take care of that car if that were the only one you could ever have? Take care of yourself.
8. Work with purpose.
9. Try and be around people who feel the same (or close to it) as you.
10. Be a part of a strong team and work to develop it.
11. Keep growing. Aspire.