Byron's Babbles

This past week I tried something new at the request of some National FFA Organization National Teacher Ambassadors. Actually, I was being mentored by three Mentor Teacher Ambassadors. I rapped an introduction of Kasey Naylor from Texas and Emma Huber from Wisconsin for a workshop in San Antonio, Texas. Kim Clark, from Kansas, who was serving as the host of the workshop, was the one really spurring on my debut to the hip hop scene. Of course, when I pushed back a little (okay, a lot) they threw my own teaching in my face: “You’re always telling us to not be afraid to try something new and it is okay if it fails.” They were right, you know, I do advocate for that! It was time for me to practice what I preach. I rapped their intro. I called it a fail. They said it was good. They were just being nice! I was watching the crowd – it was an epic fail.

I did, however, try my hand at rapping again that evening for a National FFA Teacher Ambassador dinner with a little more success. This time I made sure that Kasey, Emma, and Kim were my “backing vocalists” (see the featured photo). And yes, before you ask, “backing vocalist” is a term. Their job was to build hype. I was not much better. Actually, I was still terrible. I’ve got to tell you, though, this whole rap and hip hop thing was causing me to do a lot of thinking.

I considered, like rap artistry, how having a touch of mystique can enhance a leader’s presence and appeal. Just like in rap lyrics, where artists often employ metaphor, storytelling, and layered meanings to convey deeper messages, we, as leaders, can benefit from a certain level of intrigue. This mystique can create curiosity and draw people in, making them want to learn more about our vision or approach.

Conversely, though, it is important for us to balance mystique with transparency. Too much distance can create disconnect, whereas a well-placed element of mystery can inspire and engage followers. Those that know me know I do like to build hype. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right mix that aligns with their authenticity and the message they want to communicate.

Rapping can indeed be seen as a leadership skill in several ways:

1. Communication: Rappers must effectively convey their messages and emotions through words, which is a vital leadership quality. Even though we are obviously not conveying the same message or story, clear communication helps leaders articulate their vision and inspire their followers.
2. Storytelling: Good rappers often tell compelling stories in their lyrics. Again, I recognize it might not be the kind of story I want to convey. Nevertheless, storytelling is a powerful tool for leaders to engage and motivate people, making complex ideas more relatable and memorable.
3. Influence and Inspiration: Rappers can influence their listeners and culture at large. Similarly, leaders inspire their teams and communities to achieve goals and embrace change.
4. Adaptability: The hip-hop landscape is constantly changing, and successful rappers must adapt their styles and messages accordingly. Effective leaders are also adaptable, responding to challenges and opportunities as they arise.
5. Collaboration: Many rap artists collaborate with others, showcasing teamwork and partnership, which are crucial for strong leadership.

Moral of this story: don’t be afraid to try something new. Putting a story into rap form can be an interesting way to think about a topic or make an introduction. A couple of things I learned: 1. Just like any other public performance, a rap must be practiced; and 2. The rap needs to be developed using the voice (expressing your own passions and core values) of the one doing the rapping. One thing is for sure; you will get a laugh and a few roles of the eyes. And you will for sure be better than me at it!