Sometimes You’re the Star, Sometimes You’re the Bee—and Both Matter

Lessons from School Plays to Life and Leadership: Valuing Every Role on Stage and at Work

From KG through the lower classes, I was often given main roles in school concerts. Some were unusual, sometimes hilarious—imagine tiny children, fearless, wearing oversized costumes, glittering accessories, and occasionally tripping over props while delivering lines with utmost seriousness! In The Wedding of the Painted Doll, I was the doll. In The Owl and the Pussycat, I was the pussycat—and a bride! At our all-boys school, some of us played female roles, complete with sparkling outfits, wigs, make-up, and dialogue. With a little encouragement and explanation from my mother, I embraced the roles, spoke clearly, and learned to savour every moment on stage. I also took minor roles: a soldier, a flower, or singing in the choir; though not easily recognised—a trifle out of character, as I was quite naughty by then—these parts were just as essential in making the performance complete.

Even in senior school, I hesitated when assigned another female role—but someone had to do it, so why not me? Though mischievous, I understood these roles were essential; I learned early that every role matters—every movement, every note, every gesture shapes the performance. Standing in costume, trying not to scratch my nose, I realised that even the quietest contribution counts.

Being on stage gave me confidence and banished my stage fright: speaking lines in costume and facing an audience, I discovered the thrill of performing and the power of presence—both exhilarating and humbling at the same time!

Later, as a teacher in two all-boys schools, I watched the tradition continue: boys played female roles, ran lights, pulled curtains, and managed sound—any task required to make the show succeed. There was teasing, naturally; but also courage, camaraderie, and the understanding that school theatre is about participation, not perfection.

In one Pune school, boys embraced every role: stagehands, light operators, music assistants, curtain pullers—no task was too small! Without them, the show wouldn’t happen. They weren’t in the spotlight, but they were the backbone. What impressed me most was that these boys never looked down on any role, despite many of their parents being highly placed individuals in the corporate world or society. They instinctively understood that a production succeeds only when every part, however small, is valued and performed with dedication. That lesson—that dignity lies in contribution, not visibility—remains one of the most important lessons a school can teach.

Some children naturally shine more than others: some have sharper stage presence or greater skill. The same is true in adulthood; some excel at their jobs, some act decisively, some remain poised under pressure. Each of us has our own strengths and areas to develop, and learning to appreciate both is essential for long-term growth.

Beyond the Curtains: Lessons Parents Often Overlook

Parents, I understand you—I am one!

When my daughters were in school, my wife and I were thrilled to see them on stage in any role: star, cloud, dancer, chorus member, flower, angel, or supporting performer. The specific role did not matter; what mattered was that they were part of something larger, contributing to a shared experience and learning about teamwork and commitment.

During my years as principal, I would gently tease parents: 'Look at the stage—several hundred children on and off stage in costumes. Flowers, bees, angels, soldiers… everyone looks amazing. Take a photo of the child you think is yours and send it proudly to grandparents!'

Later, when the photo was examined at home, parents sometimes realised it wasn’t their child at all. Yet no one minded: the joy of participation mattered far more than being in the spotlight. Truly, any role is a role, and the experience it brings is invaluable.

I have often met well-intentioned parents upset when their child has a supporting or minor role. My advice is simple: these roles are not a demotion; they teach collaboration, patience, and humility. When children understand that contribution matters more than applause, they gain perspective: they learn that the experience itself is an opportunity to grow and that resilience and teamwork will serve them for life.

Visibility has its place—but it is never the whole story; some of the most important work happens quietly, behind the scenes. Yet without it, nothing else shines.

Life Lessons Beyond the Spotlight

Schools are structured and fair: there cannot be many kings or queens; only one head boy, one head girl, a handful of prefects, a few council members, eleven players on the team, a handful of soloists. Someone has to be the bee; someone the butterfly; someone the soldier who marches across for a fleeting moment; and someone, standing quietly, perfecting their part, hoping their effort is felt even if unnoticed!

It isn’t unfair—it’s reality: Everest’s summit is narrow; only a few can stand at the peak at a time.

From Stage to Corner Office: Life’s Ensemble

The lessons from school plays carry into the workplace: not everyone will be the boss; not everyone will occupy the corner office. Some lead, some support, some quietly keep the system running while others take the applause. Recognition is never guaranteed.

It is easy to feel overlooked or demoralised when effort goes unrecognised; many eat their hearts out, feel threatened, or consider leaving. Ambition and pride are natural, but perspective matters.

Those who thrive are rarely the loudest. At work, consistency is always more valuable than occasional brilliance! When given an opportunity, grab it; don’t watch the clock; no task is too small. By persevering, remaining consistent, absorbing lessons patiently, and excelling quietly—even when no one is watching—individuals understand that impact is measured not by applause, but by the lasting difference made.

Workplaces, like stages, reward those who embrace their roles fully: recognition may take time, but dedication, integrity, and steady effort always leave a mark.

Guiding Stars: Nurturing Confidence and Resilience

Children—and adults—need to understand that life is not always about the spotlight. True growth comes from consistent effort, learning, and patience: success rarely arrives instantly, and visibility does not define worth. Embracing every role builds resilience, confidence, and character.

Playing your part sincerely, striving to improve, and being patient are all part of a journey: sometimes your moment arrives exactly as imagined; sometimes it takes a different form. And sometimes, the greatest triumph is knowing you have contributed meaningfully, even without centre stage.

Schools and workplaces alike do not exist to crown kings or queens: they exist to prepare children and adults for life. The real lesson is this: success is built on contribution, diligence, and integrity, not the applause we receive. Every effort, every role, visible or quiet, shapes the bigger story. Remember this, and even moments that go unnoticed become stepping stones for growth, character, and lasting achievement.