Have you ever experienced the magic that happens when a team comes together in perfect synchronisation, creating something greater than the sum of its parts? I recently had the privilege of witnessing such brilliance at a concert by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by the legendary trumpet player, Wynton Marsalis. As I sat in the audience in the magnificent concert hall of the Sydney Opera House, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the jazz ensemble and effective teamwork. Here are three key takeaways from that unforgettable night:
1. The Team Leader Got Out of the Way In a world where leaders often seek the spotlight, it was refreshing to see Wynton Marsalis take a different approach. He chose to sit at the back of the stage, blending in with his fellow trumpet players. Instead of dominating solos and basking in the limelight, Marsalis let the team shine. This decision spoke volumes about his leadership philosophy.
Marsalis knows that true greatness lies not in individual stardom but in showcasing the collective talent of the team. By stepping back and giving his fellow musicians the opportunity to shine, he created an environment where each member could contribute their unique skills and creativity. This act of selflessness paved the way for something extraordinary to unfold.
2. Team Members Celebrated Each Other's Success In the world of jazz, improvisation solos are a common occurrence. During the concert, I observed a powerful moment of support and celebration among the musicians. One of the more experienced players encouraged a junior member to take a solo. As she did, something remarkable happened.
All eyes turned towards her, and the entire ensemble became entranced by her incredible improvisation. It was a beautiful display of team members looking outward, recognizing a moment of greatness, and making sure to acknowledge it. This act of celebrating each other's success fostered an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect within the team.
3. Sharing Leadership Another striking feature of this jazz ensemble was the way they rotated the leadership role. This practice is often associated with High-Performance Teams (HIPO teams) because it encourages trust, knowledge sharing, cohesion, and collaboration.
In the case of Marsalis and his orchestra, it was evident that sharing leadership responsibilities played a crucial role in their success.
By distributing leadership roles, the team members had the opportunity to contribute their expertise and lead when their strengths were most valuable. This approach not only showcased individual brilliance but also contributed to the overall cohesiveness and effectiveness of the ensemble.
Conclusion
In essence, Wynton Marsalis recognized the brilliance within each team member and created the conditions for them to perform at their best as a collective. The lessons we can glean from this jazz concert go beyond the world of music. They serve as a reminder that unlocking the brilliance of teams requires selflessness, celebration of success, and the willingness to share leadership.
