When most people think of the band AC/DC, the image they see is either lead guitarist Angus Young in his schoolboy outfit or lead singer Brian Johnson in his newsboy cap. Maybe the band’s original lead singer, the late brawler Bon Scott, comes to mind. But rare is the layperson who identities diminutive rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young as the icon or representative of AC/DC. Yet, it is Young, who died in November, who is credited by the band members as their quiet leader.

Musically a rhythm guitarist needs to complement the lead guitarist, and by dint of those titles, it would stand to reason that the rhythm guitarist would remain in the shadows to allow the leader to showcase his/her wares. Musically, that’s what Malcolm Young did for nearly 40 years for AC/DC, but his roles both as lead songwriter and bedrock of the band inspired his brother to comment that Malcolm was the “driving force behind the band.”

So what does this have to do with being a school leader? Quite a bit, I would contend. Is it possible for you to be both the catalyst and the glue for your organization while ceding the spotlight to other players? This is not an invitation to imitate Charlie from Charlie’s Angels and hang so far in the background (your office or classroom behind a closed door) with an occasional faceless visit. Rather, can you create a culture in which you collaborate with other talented performers to develop experiences that will engage your audience all without expecting accolades?

Just as the secret to getting people to like you is to afford them the conversational space to talk about themselves, there is something to be said for letting other professionals have a spotlight in which to shine. If, like Malcolm Young, you provide a clear path to success for others through your contributions to unit plans, action plans, or assessment development, you are contributing your talent and vision to give them the space in which to achieve visible, measurable success. Of course kids benefit, and that should be at the core of our actions. Consider as well the long-term gain of your impact on developing the confidence and competence of the teacher with whom you collaborated. When you help to define and celebrate them as [something] of excellence, you are empowering them to move beyond your sphere of immediate influence.

Malcolm Young brought a quiet solidity and even stolidity to the AC/DC stage show. Their concerts with Malcolm Young typically sold out and the audience members left feeling they have been part of a remarkable performance. Brian Johnson worked the crowd, Angus Young ran around like a madman, and Malcolm seemed curiously grounded with his seemingly outdated and stripped down Gretsch guitar. He stood behind his microphone and sang background vocals while delivering some of the most memorable guitar riffs in hard rock history.

I currently work in an elementary school after having worked in middle and high schools, and can state with certainty that there is a controlled chaos in each venue, not entirely unlike the well-choreographed madness of a heavy metal concert. The leader who stays on stage in a supporting role remains visible and allows others the creative freedom to express their talent. That leader as rhythm guitarist needs to keep the rhythm section (bass and drums) in one ear, and the lead guitar in the other, while adding his/her own creative input in a manner that connects those other forces. How do you balance the input of parents, district leadership, educators and other stakeholders without losing your own sense of mission and vision? To borrow from the statement from the band regarding Malcolm Young’s passing, you do so “with enormous dedication and commitment” and by “[sticking] to your guns” and speaking confidently. Easy? No, but leadership is special because it is so difficult.

That statement also included the comments that “He took great pride in all that he endeavored. His loyalty to the fans was unsurpassed.” Your pride in your craft as a teacher is evident, and your fans/students can generally sense your degree of commitment. Likewise, in a leadership role you can convey that spirit without needing to trumpet your accomplishments. Dedicate yourself to excellence, with that commitment imbued in your collaborations and then allow others to share the good word about your work. Much like Malcolm Young, those in the know will recognize and appreciate you, your work, and your impact.

Leadership is demanding and at times thankless work. There are countless approaches, and the Malcolm Young model is just one among the many. It requires a steady and understated approach that values collaboration and creative energy. In an era of rampant self-promotion and accountability, this approach to leadership may prove at once daunting and invaluable. To borrow from the band, “for those about to [lead], we salute you.” Rock on!