Effective stage management relies not only on technical prowess but also on strong leadership skills. In my own awareness journey and research into developing my own unique stage management style (the way I want to lead and work with others), vulnerability played a central role in shaping my approach and communication style and, ultimately, the way I work as a leader and live as a human being.
Building Trust and Connection
Building trust and connection among team members is a pillar for a smooth-running production. By creating a safe space where open communication is encouraged, stage managers can cultivate an environment of trust and belonging. Our acceptance to be open allows team members to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas freely, leading to stronger relationships and a more cohesive team.
- Creating a Safe Space: Encouraging open communication and honesty among team members fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. This creates a safe space for team members to express themselves without fear of judgment or reprisal. Agree on rules of engagement and a common language that can be used when talking about hard topics that will come up.
- Fostering Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with the challenges faced by both performers and crew members builds rapport and strengthens relationships. By acknowledging and naming our own vulnerabilities as stage managers, we demonstrate empathy and create a supportive environment where everyone feels understood and supported. We all want to be seen and heard, and empathy is a essential tool for building connection.
- Strengthening Relationships: Building strong, trusting relationships with team members is hard work. It will not be easy and it requires effort on all those participating, but especially leaders because we have to lead by example. When we approach leadership with vulnerability, we are seen as approachable and relatable, which helps to break down barriers so that we can build authentic connections with our collaborators.
Innovation Comes Out of Embracing Vulnerability
Creativity and innovation are at the heart of every successful production, and vulnerability plays a crucial role in unlocking these qualities among team members. With creativity and innovation comes a lot of raw emotions and opinions about the art we are making together.
- Encourage Risk-Taking: Embracing vulnerability as a strength and quality that should be encouraged gives team members permission to take creative risks without fear of judgment or being seen as a failure. It allows our team to experiment with new innovative ideas and solutions that can elevate the quality of the production.
- Collaborative Mindset: Vulnerability fosters an environment where ideas are freely shared, and collaboration flourishes. When our values are aligned with respecting every one on the team, stage managers can harness the collective power of the group and achieve greater artistic heights. We all have valuable insights, experience, and expertise; when we can work in tandem and share ideas even when it might fall outside of “our job” it lets our teams work across departments and be more passionate about solving creative problems.
- Inspiring Authenticity: Having the courage to let ourselves be seen is truly what vulnerability means to me and when we encourage our team to bring their full selves to their work, they can be authentically themselves. Authenticity nurtures a sense of ownership and pride in the work we do, leading to results that are genuine and compelling.
Managing Challenges and Conflict
Challenges and conflicts are inevitable in the world of stage management, but vulnerability can help leaders navigate these obstacles with grace and resilience.
- Addressing Issues Proactively: Leaders are more likely to address issues and conflicts head-on, rather than avoiding them when using a vulnerable approach. By naming our own vulnerabilities, we are setting an example for our teams that we can tackle problems openly and constructively. It doesn’t have to be a competition or a way to use the things we need help with to knock us down, but an invitation to open the conversation up.
- Building Resilience: By embracing vulnerability, stage managers can show that it’s okay to make mistakes (that we are human and are not robotic machines that have to be perfect all of the time) and that failure is an opportunity for growth and learning. What matters most when we experience a failure is how we get back up and continue forward. The way we handle ourselves, our professionalism, and ability to see past the shameful feeling that we made a mistake.
- Encouraging Growth and Learning: Openly ask for feedback from our teams. As stage managers empower each other to seek and give feedback feedback, we learn from our collective experiences and as a result we can all improve our craft as a stage manager.
In the end, it’s all about embracing vulnerability as a superpower in stage management. When we open up to honest conversations, show empathy, and let our authentic selves be seen, magic happens. It’s about building trust, sparking innovation, and facing challenges head-on with a resilient spirit. As leaders, when we lead with vulnerability, encouraging our teams to take risks, collaborate fearlessly, and resolve conflicts openly, we create a space where everyone feels valued and empowered. It’s not just about putting on great shows; it’s about building a tight-knit community where we all thrive together.