Leading Like a Conga Line

Written by Maria Consie Aguila, PT, DPT

Ben and I took the LAMP Leadership 101 course years ago which helped us to know ourselves better. What I did not expect was how it helped us in turn in our relationship as the better we understood ourselves, the better we related with each other. We have always wanted to take the next course which was on leading others but never had the opportunity till now. The class laughed when I shared that LAMP 101 helped us a lot in our marriage and that we needed a tune-up so we decided to take 201 as our Valentine’s gift to each other but really, it was not a joke.

LAMP 201 lived up to our expectations and because there are so many parts and pieces to it, I have been trying to think of ways that will remind me of the most important elements that resonated with me. In the process, I realized that the best way I do it is through analogies. These thoughts in the past days, swimming in my head while I was in bed but wasn’t sure was sleeping, finally came together as I was looking at the pictures and videos of the week.

Conga line formed during the GH SIG Reception at ALI Fest, CSM 2024

This Conga Line Dancing video was taken at the ALI Fest. I don’t remember wanting to start the train at that time but I recall someone pushing me to start and telling me to go. We were all hyped at this point so I said why not and so began the series of these line dances which made room for more people to bring their moves.

I was laughing watching these videos and alongside was the epiphany of how our leadership journey is just like this. Sometimes we don’t even realize we are ready to lead until someone pushes us to the front of the line to start. As leadership is nothing without a following, the next group of people is critical in ensuring that the movement continues. As a leader of the pack, the primary goal is to lead the group in the right direction, trusting that others behind you are doing their best to invite others along the way if they are having a meaningful experience, whatever that is to them.

“Leadership is not just about making an organization grow in numbers and the tangibles but about making room for everyone who wants to be part of the line. It’s about celebrating diversity and accepting everyone despite their differences.”

In watching the video more closely, I saw how each person brings their style of movement to the line. We were not necessarily following the style of the person in front of us but bringing our own. I would have thought it would disrupt the flow but surprisingly, it did not. Why is that?

I think it was the music. It may have the song lyrics that we knew by heart or the rhythm and beat of the instruments that accompanied the words that kept everyone in sync and at pace with each other. Even when they can no longer see the leader up the very front of the line, each person trusted that they were following in the right direction, at a pace that they can adjust to, whether it’s quickening or slowing down. The music is the vision and mission internalized.

As in any organization, the line can only grow so long and eventually disconnect which is why at some point, the line becomes a circle back to the dance floor, a regrouping if you will, before the next line forms once again. This time, the person in front may not be the same person anymore depending on the music. Not because they are not capable of dancing but because maybe, another person may have the better, more appropriate moves, depending on the song.

At the end of the day (or that awesome ALI Fest Night!), leadership is not just about making an organization grow in numbers and the tangibles but about making room for everyone who wants to be part of the line. It’s about celebrating diversity and accepting everyone despite their differences. Ultimately, it’s about modeling faith, hope, and love without which, the world will fall apart.

FUTURE Foundation Global leading the karaoke-style presentation

Ben and I are most especially grateful for the group of Internationally Educated PTs (IEPTs) from the FUTURE Foundation Global and the Multicultural PT Catalyst Group who trusted us enough to join us in this Conga Line (and lead the ALI in karaoke singing!) that will weave us IEPTs into the APTA. We no longer have a reason to refer to the APTA as a “they” but embrace our roles in it as a “we.”

We are also very grateful for the APTA Leaders who made it possible for us to join the party and improve our own human experience along the way. More and more of us are hearing and learning about the music and we at FUTURE Foundation Global will keep inviting more IEPTs to the Conga line.

Learn more about LAMP 201 from LAMP Leadership Institute of the APTA Academy of Leadership & Innovation.