Culture corner

Andrew Bolt

Perth Concert Hall general manager

13 years in the role

WABN: What is the best piece of advice you can give someone to motivate a team?

AB: “Don’t micromanage your staff but allow them to offer, present and implement their ideas. On a day-to-day basis they will know more about your business in their particular area than you will.  This promotes trust and a sense that you value their efforts.”

WABN: What was the most challenging event in your career?

AB: “I have spent a lifetime working in show business so it’s hard to choose an event. I do recall in my early career arranging for Ray Charles to appear with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra in the very early days of the Leeuwin Estate concerts. Many people might remember that concert, which ended up being one of the most magical concerts I have witnessed. It was, however, a very long and winding road to the stage, and I’m sure I aged 10 years during the process of presenting our aspects of the show. The performance was something people still speak about and was worth the effort and angst along the way. I recall vividly that it rained during the rehearsal and the water threatened to fall into the open grand piano. Ray was standing at the keyboard and as I went to assist him off the stage, he grabbed my arm (I don’t know how he knew exactly where I was) and he said ‘Don’t worry about me man, just save the piano…’ That’s when I realised that despite all the show biz hype and circus, he was at heart still a musician who knew where the real values were. It was a life lesson I have never forgotten.”
WABN: What is the main quality you are looking for in your team members?

AB: “After all the usual checks and assessments have been made, the quality I most look for is the least definable; however it relates to a tangible sense of potential as to what an individual will develop into within the role (and beyond) if given the chance. It’s something in their eyes and persona that they can’t fake when they interview and the good thing is nerves can’t disguise it. I like new staff to have a healthy dose of both experience and inexperience, as it is in the inexperience that the potential lives – and as a manager it’s yours to develop if you are up for the ride. It’s where creativity dwells, and in arts management that is essential if you want to keep things fresh.”

WABN: How do you deal with egos in your workplace?

AB: “Skyhooks had it right, and I really only get concerned if egos are likely to jeopardise a show and the work of others. In this business, both on and off the stage, a person’s right to ego is measured in their performance and there is nothing like bad performance to level the playing field for those who are getting out of line. Mind you, one of the first rules of show business is ‘Never believe your own publicity’”

WABN: Who is someone you would really like to work with?

AB: “I would like to have Sir George Martin present a performance here in Perth. I’m currently looking into this.”

WABN: Have you read a good book on management/leadership that you can recommend?

AB: “Not lately that I would particularly recommend…although I have found the Bible to be one of the most enlightening, and I notice many management books seem to paraphrase chunks of it.”

WABN: What is your favourite hobby?

AB: “I play keyboards and recently bought a five string Fender bass on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood (as you do). It’s a great way to connect with the music, particularly in the small hours.”

WABN: What were you doing before your current position?

AB: “I worked for 13 years in the administration of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. I started as an assistant librarian and left as general manager.”