Last Wednesday I went to Park West in Chicago to see King Crimson, the progressive rock group which is currently on a short U.S. tour to celebrate its 40th anniversary.  There were many versions of the group spreading throughout the 40 years, with only one constant member in Robert Fripp.  In fact by 1972 with four albums already under their belt, he was the only remaining original member left!  While he won’t admit it, all King Crimson fans know that he’s the leader of the group, setting the musical direction for the band, recruiting other musicians to play, even go as far as dictating some rules in their concerts such as no photography (there were bouncers in the venue that kept a close eye on that and did ask a few to leave)!

When King Crimson took the stage and delivered great music for two hours that Wednesday night, Fripp stayed quietly on the left side of the stage, sitting down with his guitar the whole time, his electronics rack standing in the way between him and the audience, preventing a good number of attendees from seeing him play the guitar.  While guitarist Adrian Belew and bassist Tony Levin were walking around strumming their instruments and sing, while drummers Pat Mastelotto and Gavin Harrison pounded their drums hard and gave all their might, Robert Fripp basically stayed in his seat, played his parts with the usual brilliance, periodically cracking a smile.  At the end, when the group was giving their bow, Fripp stayed in the left side of the stage, giving his own standing ovation to his fellow band members.

While many fans questioned Robert Fripp staying out of the spotlight at all costs, I think this is actually a great example for those in Toastmasters leadership to follow, whether they are the Club President, District Governor, Conference Chair, TLI Dean or even International President.  It’s easy for TM leaders, particularly those who came to the organization with low self-esteem and confidence, feel like they’re on top of the world, thinking they can do anything they please, taking every opportunity to grab the spotlight and get the accolades.  This has at times been rampant in District 30, some District Governors had this sort of attitude, as well as others who have run events such as the more recent TLIs.  Unfortunately, these people talked about themselves as if they’re the one who should take all the credit for any success, rubbing those who they work with the wrong way – I could tell you plenty of stories of this, perhaps in future blog entries.

In Toastmasters, the most important people are the members.  As leaders, we need to realize that we are there for the members and without them, our jobs are basically useless.  If there are others working in roles such as a conference committee chair, Division and Area Governors, they are the ones who are doing all the legwork and dirty work to make the leaders they report to look good.  If things go well, there are many people who deserve some credit and be recognized for their work.  If you’re taking on a leadership role and all you do is show off and grab the glory, you’re not doing the people you serve any good and you might as well do something else to get your 15 minutes of fame.

P.S. Patricia Fripp, a professional speaker who recently worked with some World Champions of Public Speaking such as Darren LaCroix, happens to be Robert Fripp’s sister!