What Could They Become With Some Coaching?

Great leaders — in business, government or society, know that when it comes to others, there is always more than meets the eye.

Earl Nightingale once shared a story that reminds us to look beyond what we think is obvious.

It seems that the NBC orchestra was about to be formed, David Sarnoff, chairman of the board of NBC, gave one directive: “Do not hire away any players from existing orchestras.” The people in charge managed to put together a superb orchestra — all except for the first clarinetist.

When the great maestro Toscanini was about to arrive from Italy to take over the orchestra, Sarnoff was asked how the problem should be handled. Should Toscanini be left to find about the first clarinetist himself? — or — should they be up front and tell him? Sarnoff said, “Let’s tell him.” His associates said, “You tell him.” Accordingly, a group went down to meet the boat as it arrived in New Your City.

In his stateroom, Toscanini greeted Sarnoff and said, “That’s a fine orchestra you got together — very fine, all except for the first clarinetist.”

Sarnoff was taken aback and asked, “Maestro, how did you find out?”

Toscanini then said, “I have been listening on a little short-wave radio I had in Milan, and I could tell.” Yes, he could hear the first…