Philharmonic conductor speaks at Dyess leadership innovation forum

Dr. David Itkin, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, speaks during a leadership and innovation forum held May 5, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Itkin was the guest speaker for the event. In his presentation, Itkin explained that the hierarchy structure of an orchestra is broken down into four sections. Each section has a leader who is responsible for translating the conductor’s instructions in more detail to the other musicians in their section. Itkin said this process saves time and money, because the conductor does not have to inspect each individual’s work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)

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Dr. David Itkin, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, speaks during a leadership and innovation forum held May 5, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Itkin was the guest speaker for the event. In his presentation, Itkin explained that the hierarchy structure of an orchestra is broken down into four sections. Each section has a leader who is responsible for translating the conductor’s instructions in more detail to the other musicians in their section. Itkin said this process saves time and money, because the conductor does not have to inspect each individual’s work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bob Starr, 7th Bomb Wing commander, invites participants to ask questions of Dr. David Itkin, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, during a leadership and innovation forum held May 5, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The purpose of the forum was to expose Airmen to different methods or thoughts about leading. During his speech, Itkin said it is important for leaders to encourage subordinates to ask questions, foster an atmosphere that encourages creativity and to allow subordinates to take the lead when appropriate. He added, when creative and innovative ideas are presented, they should be acknowledged in a positive way, even if in the end, the idea isn’t going to be used. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bob Starr, 7th Bomb Wing commander, invites participants to ask questions of Dr. David Itkin, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, during a leadership and innovation forum held May 5, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The purpose of the forum was to expose Airmen to different methods or thoughts about leading. During his speech, Itkin said it is important for leaders to encourage subordinates to ask questions, foster an atmosphere that encourages creativity and to allow subordinates to take the lead when appropriate. He added, when creative and innovative ideas are presented, they should be acknowledged in a positive way, even if in the end, the idea isn’t going to be used. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Gibbs, 7th Maintenance Group commander, asks Dr. David Itkin, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, a question during a leadership and innovation forum held May 5, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Itkin was the guest speaker for event. During his presentation, Itkin noted the hierarchy structure of an orchestra is similar to that of the military’s rank structure. Itkin explained how the structure of an orchestra and the distribution of authority are important, allowing the organization to operate smoothly by establishing responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Gibbs, 7th Maintenance Group commander, asks Dr. David Itkin, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, a question during a leadership and innovation forum held May 5, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Itkin was the guest speaker for event. During his presentation, Itkin noted the hierarchy structure of an orchestra is similar to that of the military’s rank structure. Itkin explained how the structure of an orchestra and the distribution of authority are important, allowing the organization to operate smoothly by establishing responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Yates, right, asks Dr. David Itkin, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, a question regarding leadership May 5, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Itkin is able to relate to Air Force leaders, because an orchestra has a similar hierarchy structure to the military. During a speech, Itkin explained that when leaders lead by example, they have the right to demand just about anything of their subordinates; when leaders don’t lead by example, they don’t have the right to demand anything. Itkin stated that when leaders lead by example, they’re able to inspire subordinates to use their skills, which raises the productivity and quality of the entire organization. A leader’s job, in his opinion, can be boiled down to three words: make things better. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Yates, right, asks Dr. David Itkin, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, a question regarding leadership May 5, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Itkin is able to relate to Air Force leaders, because an orchestra has a similar hierarchy structure to the military. During a speech, Itkin explained that when leaders lead by example, they have the right to demand just about anything of their subordinates; when leaders don’t lead by example, they don’t have the right to demand anything. Itkin stated that when leaders lead by example, they’re able to inspire subordinates to use their skills, which raises the productivity and quality of the entire organization. A leader’s job, in his opinion, can be boiled down to three words: make things better. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez/Released)