Welcome to installment number three of the "Bandleader" series. So far, in the first and second articles of the series we've talked about the pros and the cons of being a bandleader. Because bandleaders are in charge of managing, and working with people, this month I want to cover the topic of getting the most from the people you work with.

Don't Get Taken Advantage Of By Your Players

Musicians are often wonderful people, but unless you keep a solid handle on things, your players could try and take advantage of you. Let people know what's expected of them. If your the kind of band leader that wants everyone to help with the load-in, set-up and the load-out of the gear at each gig, make sure everyone knows that, and unless there is a good excuse, make sure they show up so you and everyone else doesn't end up having to do their share of the work. Make sure that people know they have to be on time for gigs and don't let that slide. Be firm, but fair, and your players will respect you for that.

Don't Get Taken Advantage Of By Your Agents & Club Owners

Most of the time, agents and club owners will be trying to get the most out of you that they can for the lowest price. Having a two way street with agents is a good idea, and every once in a while you will probably want to do a favor for them, such as work a room you normally wouldn't do, travel to a place you normally wouldn't want to go to, or possibly even do an occasional benefit concert. This kind of stuff can build the relationship between you and your agent, which is good, but just make sure they don't take advantage of you and ask you to do to much that your not all that thrilled about. Always keep in mind that once they get you to do something, such as taking the gig you really aren't all that excited to do, or taking a gig for little pay, they'll keep asking you to always work for that standard. Just make sure you know when to say NO!

Respect Is A Two-Way Street

Tyrants tend to create a bad working environment of little fun. Just because you are the band leader, try to hold back from becoming a power-hungry monster. Not only will being a dictator alienate your other band members from you but it will most likely diminish your band's value as a product. A happy musician gives more in their performance. If your players aren't happy, it will definitely make your band less enjoyable to listen to. Make sure to treat your musicians with respect. Listen to their concerns and suggestions. If you have to ask them to change something they're doing, or to learn something, or to stop doing something that isn't working in the show, just make sure you approach them respectfully and you will always get better results. Compliment your players when they are doing a good job. Give them a reason to feel good about coming to the gig every night. Musicians can be extremely sensitive people and managing them can be an art form in itself. Just try to remember what it felt like when you worked for someone else.

The trick to managing people is a matter of give and take. Just keep in mind you want to be fair, firm, inspiring, understanding, demanding, in control, respectful, smart, kind, and appreciative in order to get the most performance from the people you work with.