Ants

It's a marvelous thing to observe a perfectly synchronized team. Whether a leader, conductor, producer or any other role, each has one task: to tune the team so that the final outcome aligns with expectations. I intentionally don't say that the result must be the best, as 'quality' means different things to different people.

Sometimes leaders lose sight of their role's purpose. They try to satisfy their needs and achieve their goals. A leader's task is to choose the right team and tools. They should objectively assess situations and strive towards the goal. However, the biggest mistake a leader can make is losing touch with reality. This is often visualized by showing that a leader must be part of the team, not just driving it to work. In my professional life, I've met many who thought their leadership role was due to hierarchy or appointment. Naturally, they were weak leaders. They could accomplish a few short-term tasks but never build anything lasting.

In Eastern China, in the town of Lijang, lies a gem. An old town surrounded by mountains. A landscape straight out of a fairy tale. This region is often called Shangri-La, inspired by James Hilton's novel 'Lost Horizon.' During the summer months, an extraordinary show takes place there. Hundreds of local artists present the region's culture and scenes from daily life. The team leaders (distinguishable by their different-colored outfits) and dozens of people performing their tasks perfectly are visible. But above this entire performance is another management layer ensuring that this business thrives. These leaders are unseen, yet they are responsible for the success.

Photo taken in 2012 in Lijang, China.

I dedicate it to those wonderful, unseen leaders who make a difference.