200 Words [or Less] About Being a Worship Musician: Key Elements >> Teachable, Part 2

200 Words [or Less] About Being a Worship Musician:
Key Elements >> Teachable – Part 2,
Learning to Take Indirect Feedback

(Read the other Key Elements articles:
Intro; Talent; Surrendered Part 1; Surrendered Part 2; Passionate; Teachable Part 1)

Meltdown. You know the kind: that stops rehearsals. At a Sunday-morning-only-rehearsal, no less. Apparently, I frustrated one of the musicians. The first indication was her tears. I know…it’s a gift to be this good at reading people.

Her emotions were anything but “indirect,” but they only told me of the immediate issue. There was an underlying problem that I didn’t [want to] see. After this, I knew I had to.

Over a $5 footlong after church, I asked my trusted friend and drummer, “Am I that hard to follow?” His caps lock “YES” couldn’t have come any quicker unless he was psychic. In my rush to cover all that needs to be covered in a rehearsal that’s already too short, I tend to jump ahead. And back. And to a different song. I considered making excuses and passing blame, but what’s that determination of leadership, “Look back and see who’s following…”?

So now I’m trying to look at what people aren’t saying. Because they say a lot when they “aren’t saying.” This is huge for leadership. But also for musicians who weekly rub up against each other. Look at what your leader/teammate/pastor is NOT saying: you may just learn something.