Book Review: The Making of A Symphony Orchestra – Timeless Leadership

Author: Otieno-Paul-Peter, Esq.

Publisher: Live Your Dream Enterprises Ltd.

Website: www.OtienoPaulPeter.com

Reviewer: Odhiambo Orlale

Whoever said you should not judge a book by the cover was spot on and may have been referring to The Making of A Symphony Orchestra – Timeless Leadership by Otieno Paul-Peter Esq. The 236-page book has very little to do with music, but has everything to do with leadership, according to the author, who is a passionate leadership trainer who also believes in simplicity and practicality of ideas and strategies.

The leadership book is timely and a must-read on the eve of the August 9 General Elections for the thousands of aspirants and Kenyan voters preparing to vie and/or to elect the next President, Deputy President, Governors, Senators and Women County Representatives in each of the 47 counties, and 290 Members of Parliament and 1,340 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) across the country.

Inspired by his passion, OPP, as he is better known by his friends and colleagues, decided to take the book to the next level last year by featuring it in his popular WhatsApp Group and weekly Zoom meeting, called Power Mondays, as a reference book.

The easy-to-read book was published on the eve of the Coronavirus pandemic, two years ago, and the author maintains that leadership is at the heart of every meaningful success imaginable.

The founder and lead consultant for Live Your Life enterprises Ltd, an organization that equips and inspires leaders to be able to reach their maximum potential, is widely read and quotes former United States President, John F. Kennedy saying: “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

Musical title

In the forward by Selline Korir, a mentor in leadership development and an expert in conflict management and peace-building, maintains that the future of our society, organisations and our homes entirely depend on the quality of leadership being exercised and practiced.

Says Korir: “The success of our businesses and enterprises among other undertakings, depend on the quality of our leadership. The Making of a Symphony Orchestra, is a book that will inspire and raise up a new generation of responsive and transformational leaders who will mold a better future.”

As you read the book, she adds, you will not only discover a new and radical way of looking at leadership, but also a clear and concise series of steps that you can follow in order to build your own symphony orchestra; a lasting legacy for many generations to come.

In the preface, OPP asks a rhetorical question: “The subject of leadership has been written all the years by both big and small names, in large and small print; so why then would I bother to write another book on this subject?”

The author notes that this book, over and above learning leadership, helps people to identify their purpose in life and unify it with leadership agenda with a view of leaving a timeless legacy: life therefore becomes one adventurous journey of leadership to all who study it.

As life would have it, says OPP, the universe is full of music. All around us is music in the sense of harmony. The Creator did not intend any chaos but harmony in all we see and do.

Harmony in the world

“That is what makes music; many parts, many instruments, many participants but one beautiful piece of art that is pleasing to the ear. The same applies to our leadership positions,” OPP maintains and dedicates the book to all the people in leadership positions and those aspiring to become leaders.

The book has eight chapters focusing on several diverse topics. These are: Different components, one harmony; Gray areas in leadership; Foundation of leadership; and Getting the bearing- this vision thing.

Other chapters are on: A leader’s tool kit; Strategy; Army – the making of a team; Beyond the visible, legacy; and concludes with the chapter on Posterity, equipping.

In the first chapter, the author breaks down the topic on Different Components, One Harmony into sub topics on leadership determines the outcome; do you belong to an orchestra group; nature sings in harmony; value in market place; and why leadership?

One of the three reviewers of the book, Anuradha Khoda, Chief Executive Officer Nomad Lounges Ltd, noted that a leader should be a harbinger, a luminary, a visionary, one who sets an example by practice and not by word.

Character and competence

The CEO then quotes OPP saying: “There are two values that I want to talk about for a good leader – character and competence. Competence is your ability to do your task well. Character is what reflects your values and beliefs.”

On his part, Dr Reginald Maudlin Nalugala of Tangaza College, says it is a well thought out book about leadership; for society to function well it must dance in harmony. “The imagery of the orchestra is presented to give an illuminating tapestry of an artist connecting all the parts to give a beautiful sound; the output of sound leadership,” says Dr Nalugala.

On her part, Jane Achieng, Librarian at University of Nairobi, says the book is one of the most engaging she has read of late on leadership; it offers insight into important aspects of leadership that, especially, young people would find invaluable.

“This book is an asset to those seeking knowledge on leadership,” says the librarian.