I recently started a choir that I am conducting. I had a hankering to sing some high-quality choral music so looked to pull some folks together. Sounded great at the time, but once 21 people said they’d join, I suddenly remembered I had not studied music or conducted anything in some 20 years. Uh-oh. Of course I steamrolled ahead and did what I could to prepare for the first rehearsal. It went incredibly well and 3 rehearsals in I can say that we’re well on our way to a wonderful performance. As I look at where I am though, I can honestly say that my ability to lead this ensemble does not come from what is left of my musical ability. From the first down beat of the first rehearsal, this felt similar to the way a great presentation, workshop or team meeting feels. Over the years I’ve cultivated an obvious strength in leading groups. I’ve found a good balance of seriousness and fun with confidence and humility and learned how to read a room quite well. These are the strengths I called upon to lead this very different setting from the one I am used to and it’s working. And you? What are your core strengths, and how can they be leveraged for something new?