I spent the better part of today listening to hundreds of kids (including two of my own) playing in a regional school band competition. A winter of rehearsals culminates in a nerve testing performance on stage in front of professional judges and hundreds of people in the audience. Of course, as a father, I think our school band was “best”, but it struck me how far many of the bands have come in actually sounding like orchestras as opposed to groups of individuals.
Talented individuals can bring a lot to a band.
- But there’s no magic until the group can play as one, enhancing the outcome by delivering more than the sum through fine-tuned musical collaboration. A string of tones becomes music. And surprisingly, a group of less skilled players may sound better together than a group of players that technically and individually may be rated superior. The key for any group is to find the common vibe, sense and feel each other and the voice or role everyone is playing, and then to perform as one big, beautiful instrument. Sudeenly, magic occurs and a group of average-talented school kids can hit strings deep inside you and touch you. Touch me. Make me loose track of time and space, just listen, enjoy and be.
Can this happen in business?
Of course. It happens every day. Teams working better together are outperforming seemingly “better” teams of individuals. Taking their cues from naturally collaborating working ants, well coached and inspired football teams or passionate sounding symphonic orchestras and school bands, these business teams achieve more, have happier customers, better results and a great team spirit enabling them to take on their next challenge with joy and creativity.
They know that they are Better- Together!
- So, is your team or organization working together? Better together? Or are you just a bunch of more or less coordinated individuals with pay checks? It’s time to find the passion, tune in and collaborate!
