Imposition of the masses?

As a choral conductor, I constantly find myself struggling with the concept of power in an ensemble rehearsal.

At times, I feel like Adolf giving charge to “his” troops, rallying “the people” to back his ideas. It didn’t matter what their ideas were, because his were the only important ones. He was a dictator and a tyrant. He told people what and how to think.

This is quite common in an ensemble rehearsal. The ensemble leader, director, or whatever one is called, imposes her or his ideas on the ensemble with the defense that it is for the sake of time. Besides, the leader is meant to be the most “learned” in the group, teaching the group what to understand in the music and how to understand it.

Other times, I feel like a basketball coach, motivating players to do their best. Ball players constantly improvise upon their own ideas in order to help each other reach a common goal. The coach helps train the athletes to become the most capable athletes possible. Once this job is done, the coach becomes more of a manager, giving suggestions from the sidelines (although some coaches are more insistent than others).

So, which conductor am I: Adolf or coach/trainer? Is either acceptable? This is something that I struggle with every day (and, believe me… it is DEFINITELY conscious every day). Any thoughts?