Performing on stage is a great way to prepare yourself for success in the working world. In this article, you will discover how the art and science of performing on stage equips you with valuable skills. Whether or not your stage career is over, rest assured that those skills will carry over to the office.
1. They Know When To Improvise
Success on the stage requires the ability to respond to unexpected developments. A musician may need to perform a solo if the star performer fails to show up. The ability to take in a situation and respond quickly is valuable. As the old saying goes, “The show must go on.” Bringing that attitude to the business world means that you will be highly adaptable and able to overcome problems. Stage performers know how to expand their job when the situation calls for it.
2. They Know The Importance Of Deadlines
When you perform on stage as an actor, musician or someone else, you quickly learn the importance of deadlines. If someone is late to the production, the entire crew suffers and the audience will be upset. Showing up on time for each and every performance is a skill that carries over directly to the working world. In the professional world, showing up for meetings and meeting deadlines day after day are important skills.
3. They Know How To Present
On stage, you are in full view of the audience and your fellow performers. The confidence to stand in front of people and deliver value is important. Once you build up your foundation of confidence, you can work to develop the other habits of highly effective communicators. Remember – as a performer, you know that presentation and communication is about THE AUDIENCE, not you!
4. They Make The Most Of What They Have
As a performer, you sometimes have to make do with limited support and equipment. For example, you may have lost your favorite instrument at home when you go on the road for a performance. A committed performer finds an alternative solution so that they can deliver a great performance. In the corporate world, this same attitude is highly valuable. You may not receive all the training and the latest technology at your office. Nevertheless, successful people find a way to achieve results.
5. They Know How To Wear Multiple Hats
Delivering a successful stage performance requires contributions from many different people. While you may specialize as an actor, you understand that the show may ask you to make different contributions from time to time. You may have to make emergency costume repairs, go shopping for supplies at the last minute or help with stage management. The ability to be flexible and take on multiple responsibilities makes a big difference. Successful people rarely say “that’s not in my job description.”
6. They Know How To Work Long Hours To Achieve A Goal
As you work on a show, long hours are often needed. In fact, you may be working almost around the clock as opening night approaches. The mindset to keep working in order to reach a result is valuable when you perform. It also makes a major difference in the professional world. You may be working to land a sale or ship a new product. The ability to put in long hours to achieve a goal is a vital success trait.
7. They Know How To Celebrate A Success (Cast Parties!)
Many actors and performers throw a party when they successfully complete opening night. It’s a long tradition in the performing world. Organizing a party where you recognize others is an important skill. Recognizing others and being grateful for their contributions are important to professional success according to the Harvard Business Review.
8. They Know How To Read Other People
As a performer, you are part of a team that creates a show. This principle holds true even if you are a solo performer – you have to observe and notice how the audience reacts. Truly outstanding performers observe others and the audience and adjust as they perform. These observation skills make a difference outside the performing world. With keen observation, you can pick and choose when to raise questions, when to ask for the sale and when to offer help.
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