In Johnnie Maier’s description, the true leader is the symphony conductor, who creates the vision and the direction that merges the many sounds into harmony. For Maier, the most important lesson for a nurse leader is to learn the skills of the symphony conductor achieving harmony, balance, and an extraordinary performance without making a sound. Nurse leaders would do well to study the orchestra conductor’s understanding of his/her work and leadership role. Because of the foresight, the vision, and the direction of a few legislative leaders, the health care professions involved, nurses and others, were able to play their instruments together. Observing the orchestra conductor is key to understanding how good leadership should work. A leader must combine vision and direction with an understanding of those he seeks to lead. An effective leader must strike the right balance between task orientation and people sensitivity.