Reflecting on 30 Years: 7 Guiding Principles for the Long Haul

For almost 30 years (29 years and 3 months, but who’s counting?) I’ve been the executive director of Chicago a cappella. As many of you know, leading a nonprofit choral organization can be a grind, with lots of ups and downs, stresses and challenges. Lately I’ve been thinking more and more about my retirement, which I’m planning to start in 4 ½ years (again…who’s counting?). This mindset has put me in a reflective mood, and it has also brought perspective to the way I think about my work on almost a daily basis.

So many things that were true in the beginning are still true today – even with all the changes we’ve seen over the last three decades. Chicago a cappella started out very small, of course, with a tiny budget and the odds stacked against us. Back when I started, I couldn’t have imagined where we are today – and certainly couldn’t have predicted I’d still be doing the job! Still, some of the issues and problems can feel eerily similar, even if the specific situations have changed over time.  

For my own self-preservation and peace of mind, I have unconsciously developed some principles—or maybe they are coping mechanisms?—that have helped me survive and stay in the game.  (And without destroying my health, my marriage, or even my psyche!)

So here I am, reminding myself of some of the things that I think count the most.

1. It's all about relationships.

Whether it’s donors, audience members, vendors, funders, artists, board or staff members, people who feel connected to you personally are more likely to feel connected to your organization and are more likely to be supportive. 

As much as possible, free yourself up at concerts and events to actually talk to people rather than running around managing the event. At least, take an extra minute in the lobby to learn something personal about that patron who’s been coming forever (even if you’re sure they’ll never be a donor). Give yourself permission to relax and socialize a bit during business phone calls with venues or vendors—the extra two minutes it takes will pay off in a stronger relationship.  Schedule a social lunch with a board member and see how long you can go without talking about the chorus.

Be present, be available, be friendly. Don’t always have a hidden agenda. Try to actually get to know people personally and allow them to know you.

2. Be authentic.

Everyone can see through a fake or a blowhard, so it’s no use hiding your true self… and it’s your biggest strength anyway! Be open with people (as appropriate) and don’t put on a role or pretend to know things you don’t. You’ll get more respect and earn greater status with people by showing vulnerability and being honest and sincere. Also you’ll just be more fun to be around.

3. Keep it in context.

We all feel like we deal with crises in our work life. But, seriously, is it really a crisis? To see actual crises, just turn on the news any (and every) day: wars, natural disasters, all kinds of terrible mayhem. But our chorus? Even in our worst-case scenarios—financial hardships, personnel upheaval, organizational dysfunction, burnout—no one is going to die. We are not saving lives (…well, see #7 below…). 

So step away and get perspective as often as possible. Get outside for lunch. Listen to music while doing that mindless task. Text a friend in the middle of the day, just to connect. Remember that your life is bigger than just this job. After all, the world is vast; we’re trying to add beauty and joy to it. Although it’s really hard work, it’s not as weighty as it sometimes feels.

4. Make it fun.

Since our job is about creating beauty and joy…it should actually be fun, right? I know, it’s hard to remember that when you’re knee-deep in a government grant application two hours before the deadline. But a lighthearted approach—especially with staff, volunteers, and board members—sets the right tone. After all, who wants to give their time and energy to something that’s always heavy and serious? 

One of the keys to a good board meeting is the laugh quotient: how many times did folks have a chuckle during the meeting? I want our board members to enjoy the conversation and enjoy each other. That doesn’t mean it’s all fun and games. Discussions should be serious and meaningful. But even the most significant conversations should be supported by an environment of positivity and good humor.

5. Don't isolate yourself.

Sometimes it feels like we’re a one-person show. I get it: small staffs of mostly part-timers, people working remotely much of the time—sometimes without a physical office at all. But we need other people’s help and input, probably more than we realize, even if we’re confident, competent, and running on all cylinders. 

Build a network of people who you can reach out to for advice, whether it’s board members, choral colleagues, nonprofit pros in your community, or just smart friends. Besides, working in isolation isn’t great for mental health either. Even if it’s not work-related, try to have at least a few real interactions every day, whether by phone, video call, or, best of all, in person. (Emails don’t count!) In addition to getting support and input it will just make you happier.

6. Keep it in balance.

Yes, my fellow chorus admin pros, work/life balance is a real thing! In my case, the universe helped me out when we moved to a new office space a few years ago. My office is right next door to a martial arts studio that teaches very small children starting exactly at 5PM every night. Apparently, screaming is a big part of the practice, and the walls are paper thin. So I have a built-in reminder at 5PM that it’s definitely time to go home. 

Don’t neglect your hobbies, especially those that have nothing to do with choruses or even music. OK, yes, sometimes we have to work extra hours. But don’t let that be the norm. Create some mental guardrails around these periods. “I’ll work late on Tuesday and Wednesday this week to get through everything that’s due by Friday…but the other evenings are MINE.”  Also, some things just may not get done, and that’s OK. You’re only one person and working 60 hours a week isn’t good for anyone.

7. Remember why we're doing this.

For those times when overwhelm or gloom start creeping in, find a way to refocus on the reason behind all this fuss and bother, even if it’s just for a minute. Keep handy a list of heartfelt audience comments, compliments from patrons, or awesome reviews, and take 15 seconds to glance at it. Have a handful of your personal favorite recordings of your choir on your desktop and close your eyes and listen to a snippet. When the job feels crushing, it's easy to forget that we’re doing all this work to create music. Nothing more, and nothing less.

We are bringing joy, connection, and meaning to people’s lives, and for some people, yes, it may actually be saving them. Certainly, the world would be a lot grimmer if it wasn’t for what we do. So if that budget spreadsheet, funder turndown, or committee meeting is getting you down, a few moments of perspective can help recharge you and keep you going. Maybe even for 30 years.

We want to hear from you — how long have you been with your choir and what has kept you going in your role?