Playing Second Fiddle

The most difficult position to play in an orchestra is second fiddle. The position of second violinist is not as glamorous as that of first violinist. But somehow, everyone expects the position to pull off everything the first chair does, support first chair with complete loyalty, but rarely receive the public credit.

A principle violinist even gets applauded before they accomplish a job when they take a stage. It's probably their past performances and their position that gains the applause. Usually, the audience doesn't even know a second chair's name.

Second chair often gets more darts from the rest of the orchestra. The rest of the string section usually says, "How do they get to play next to the first violinist, I can play just as good as he can." It's usually obvious that the first chair is first chair for a reason, but speculation comes into play with the ability of second chair players.

I prefer second fiddle. Why? In my area of service - senior pastors have the whole ball of wax. I don't have the whole thing to lose sleep over. Sure, I care as much as - but the public doesn't see my name as the first chair leader. Senior pastor lose lots of sleep. Would you? Man times, they are CEO, CFO, spiritual leader, staff conflict managers, office managers, and political end run stoppers. Me - I like second fiddle. When the orchestra doesn't play well - the chief musician with the blame is first violin.

For more reading: Timm Boyle recently wrote an article on second chair leadership in church ministry from Willow Creek.

The picture above is of Sheryl Staples (read about her).