A Symphony of Choices

Learn how to make decisions in the face of increasingly complex and multifaceted challenges In A Symphony of Choices: How Mentorship Taught a Manager Decision-Making, Project Management and Workplace Engagement -- and Saved a Concert Season, workplace culture and strategy expert Gerald Leonard delivers a fascinating narrative following one Jerry Hall, the new Symphony Orchestra manager at a prestigious symphony concerned about the challenging plans for an upcoming season. In the book, you’ll watch Jerry connect with a former college professor and learn the skills necessary to successfully manage his way through these unprecedented times in his business and personal life. Does he have all skills necessary for effective decision-making and managing a major symphony’s portfolio of projects? Will his fear of succumbing to daunting challenges prevent him from succeeding? The author answers these questions, and more. You’ll also find: Hands-on strategies for decision-making and management you can implement today at your organization Methods for navigating an increasingly complex and interconnected environment Ways to apply subject-matter knowledge to your management even in the face of extraordinary personal challenges A necessary and hands-on resource for directors, managers, executives, and other business leaders, A Symphony of Choices will also earn a place on the bookshelves of practicing and aspiring leaders in athletic, academic, military, and other environments.

Foreword xi Preface xv Chapter 1 The Right People and the Right Time 1 Chapter 2 Choosing Your Portfolio 11 Chapter 3 Selecting Your Projects 27 Chapter 4 Choosing Your Portfolio Processes 41 Chapter 5 Choosing Your Strategy 57 Chapter 6 Choosing Your Rules of Engagement 79 Chapter 7 Choosing Your Performance Metrics 101 Chapter 8 Choosing Your Communication Strategy 123 Chapter 9 Choosing Your Risks Strategy 143 Chapter 10 Choosing Your Implementation Strategy 163 Chapter 11 Reaping the Benefits of Your Choices 181 Epilogue 191 Implementation Guide 197 Dr. Richard’s Lessons 209 Recommended Reading and Resources 215 Bibliography 221 Acknowledgments 223 About the Author 225 Index 227