What Barbershop Singing Taught Me About Leadership

When I began singing Barbershop, I discovered a rich and resonant bass voice within me—a revelation that was both thrilling and deeply personal. A musical director had once hinted at this hidden potential, but I’d never had the chance to explore it until then. This discovery was even more meaningful given my family history: my brilliant great-grandfather, one of the first voices ever broadcast on BBC radio, was a gifted choirmaster who led groups like the Cadbury Male Voice Choir and the Selly Park Ladies Choir. Embracing Barbershop felt like continuing a family legacy I hadn’t known was mine.

The positive feedback I received on my voice was exhilarating, and I was eager to showcase my talent. But I didn’t get it right at first.

Barbershop singing taught me a fundamental lesson: in close four-part harmony, every voice must contribute equally—no more, no less. The true magic of Barbershop lies in the blend, where no single voice overpowers the others. If one voice dominates, the harmony collapses.

This delicate balance is a principle I’ve seen echoed in teams and organisations. Whether in music or leadership, harmony is lost when someone—whether intentionally or not—overpowers the group.

As a bass, my role was to provide resonance, a foundation for the other parts to dance upon. However, I was often too eager to show off my talent and sometimes sang louder than I should. In Barbershop, the bass isn’t just a note; it’s a vibration—a steady, grounding presence that supports the whole but isn’t meant to stand out.

This realisation mirrored my early journey as a leader. While I loved helping others shine, I also wanted my time in the spotlight. I craved recognition and glory. Over time, I came to see that true leadership isn’t about standing out—it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. Letting go of the need for personal applause is surprisingly liberating, and it’s in this shift that I’ve found the most fulfilment.

How Leadership Mirrors Bass Singing

Here are some key parallels between Leadership and Barbershop singing that resonate deeply with me:

1. Providing a Strong Foundation Just as the bass provides the grounding for harmonious music, a leader must create fertile ground where others can grow and flourish.
2. Empowering Others Great leadership, like great harmony, thrives when individuals are empowered to contribute their best—not when the leader seeks personal recognition.
3. Balancing Support with Presence In Barbershop, the blend is everything. Sing too loudly, and you dominate; sing too softly, and you leave others exposed. In leadership, too, it’s vital to maintain this balance—offering enough guidance to support your team while giving them space to shine.
4. Prioritising Collective Goals The magic of collaboration lies in placing the group’s success above individual achievements. This is the key difference between co-operation and true collaboration.

A Personal Triumph

One of my proudest leadership moments came at the PSA Speaking Business Summit, where I closed the event by stepping back rather than stepping forward. During the keynote finale, I handed the stage over to the PSA scratch band and faded into the background as they performed “A Day Like This.” By relinquishing my chance for applause or a standing ovation, I experienced a profound sense of fulfilment. Watching others shine and knowing I’d contributed to that success was more rewarding than any spotlight could have been.

To me, the best leaders are those who empower and elevate others without seeking glory. It’s a lesson I continue to learn, both as a Barbershop singer and as a leader.