Managing a company like an orchestra

• Michel PODOLAK
  Conductor and choirmaster
  Corporate consultant
  

Summary

Sometimes a company manager is likened to the conductor of an orchestra, a person capable of creating harmony from a heterogeneous group, blending them into a common unit while making the most of their individual talents. Over a number of years, companies have ventured into the art world on the basis that renewed approaches may help to solve problems, ease tensions and make working teams stronger. Michel Podolak suggests that by studying a few fundamental principles of how orchestras work, we may understand corporate practices better. This includes a clear musical score which is not questioned by the conductor ; unconditional respect and attention from the musicians ; and the need to anticipate situations constantly. However, such comparisons have their limitations, and therefore each company must assess its own unique characteristics.

Summary translated from French by Rachel MARLIN.

• The entire article was written by Sophie JACOLIN and translated by Rachel MARLIN.

To obtain this article, you can :

• download it in French (PDF help) using your password or contact ecopar@paris.ensmp.fr (Reference CR130410).
• download it in English (PDF help) using your password or contact ecopar@paris.ensmp.fr (Reference CR130410-ENG).

The entire article appears in French in the Journal de l'École de Paris du management N° 86.