Behind the Curtain: Leadership Lessons from 'Turandot'
Opera is like a grand, multi-layered cake, blending music, storytelling, and acting into one spectacular feast for the senses. At first glance, opera may seem daunting, with its complex combination of elements, most times in a foreign language. Yet, just like developing a taste for a fine wine, the more one engages with opera, the more its beauty and depth unfold, offering enriching and emotional experiences that resonate deeply.
Italian opera is akin to the heart of an impassioned dialogue, where every gesture and note carries profound emotions. It is distinguished by its expression of intense feelings—love, despair, joy, anger—through music so exquisite it can move one to tears. Masters like Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Mascagni, Donizetti and so many others, have crafted operas that are essentially musical treasure troves, filled with unforgettable arias (songs) that have enchanted audiences for centuries. This genre is unique in its ability to communicate directly with the soul, employing not just words, but the universal language of music to express life's deepest emotions.
Yet, the narratives, especially those rooted in the romantic Italian tradition, often culminate in tragedy, reflecting decisions marked by naivety. This always brings me to mind "Turandot" by Giacomo Puccini, set in a mythical China, which has long stirred within me a sense of unease and reflection, particularly due to its parallels with the corporate world's dynamics. The story of Princess Turandot, who challenges her suitors with riddles under penalty of death, mirrors the irrational decisions and overlooked sacrifices prevalent in business.
"Turandot" opens with Prince Calaf, smitten by Turandot's beauty, resolved to accept her challenges shortly after returning home from war. Before the trials, he visits his father and Liu, a devoted slave girl madly in love with him. Acknowledging her affection for him yet asking her to care for his father should he fail, Calaf sings, “Non piangere Liu.” Calaf sings his selfishness under a beautiful and complex interpretation, almost making the audience forget the gravity of his declaration of unwavering love for someone else and potential demise.
As the opera unfolds between Acts 2 and 3, Calaf successfully solves all three riddles, and a desperate Turandot pleads with her father to be freed from her promise to marry her suitor. Calaf proposes an escape for Turandot: if she can learn his name by dawn, she need not marry him. It seems an impossible task, yet when Turandot's guards discover Liu might know Calaf's name, they subject her to torture, leading to her ultimate sacrifice over betrayal.
Meanwhile, Calaf’s rendition of “Nessum Dorma,” oblivious to Liu’s ordeal, symbolizes the dawn of a new day and his confidence in winning Turandot’s love. The aria peaks with "Vincerò!" meaning "I will win," sending shivers down the spine. It is like the moment in a movie where the underdog faces the final hurdle, filled with determination. Even if you are new to opera, "Nessun Dorma" has a way of speaking directly to the heart.
So, the climax of the opera is “Nessum Dorma.” No one can deny the beauty and complexity of “Nessum Dorma” – it requires a powerful, agile voice to navigate those soaring highs and tender lows. Yet, it is “Non piangere, Liu” that I find the most significant. This aria reminds us that in both opera and business, true achievements often owe much to the unnoticed efforts of individuals. There is no "Nessun Dorma" without "Non piangere, Liu"; no victory without Liu's unseen sacrifice. And yet, despite her devotion and suffering, Liu's love remains unrequited, her sacrifice a forgotten cornerstone of the narrative.
This dynamic of sacrifice and triumph, as seen through Liu's perspective, mirrors the corporate world's often overlooked contributions. In businesses, much like in "Turandot," the spotlight tends to favor the storytellers, overshadowing those whose sacrifices enable the story's progression.
The juxtaposition of "Nessun Dorma" and "Non piangere, Liu" serves as a metaphor for essential leadership and management lessons. Acknowledging and valuing every team member's contribution, particularly those away from the limelight, is vital for an organization's enduring success.
Effective leadership involves recognizing, appreciating, and honoring these contributions, ensuring no effort goes unnoticed. It understands that the capacity to perform "Nessun Dorma" builds upon the intricate and supportive efforts of the "Lius" within an organization. Their work lays the groundwork for the organization's visible triumphs. Giving due credit to these endeavors is a mark of effective leadership, akin to recognizing Liu's nuanced and crucial role in "Turandot."
The Italian word “Opera” means “work.” That sovereign art form that combines so many distinct parts into one phenomenal spectacle is the quintessential proof of human genius and our capacity for producing magical beauty by combining multiple efforts seamlessly.
While for many Turandot finishes with a victorious and content feeling about success it may also remind us that not everything that shines is gold. Recognizing everyone’s contributions is of paramount importance to continued success in Opera and in business.
