Jazz at work

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English: Jazz at work
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The Jazz Metaphor in Organisational Behaviour
Jazz music is a composition of different instruments working in concert to produce a smooth, harmonious melody. Jazz is an art form that is highly dependent on teamwork and synchronized energy. The wholesome sound of a jazz group is greater than the sum of each player. A jazz ensemble consists of a lead instrumentalist whom the rest of the group follows. The lead position is often interchangeable, with different musical instruments coming to the fore of the sound. Improvisation is at the heart of a jazz orchestra. A good jazz musician needs to have the ability to improvise and adapt their style to rhyme to the melody in play.
1. Why the jazz metaphor approach works for teamwork
Jazz serves as the perfect metaphor for teamwork and team building in organizations. The dedication and synchronization that is achieved through rehearsal apply in teams in any organization. Each member of a team needs to know and play their part well to meet the organization’s objectives. Any team needs a leader to give direction to the activities, just as it is in a jazz orchestra. Team members need to trust and follow their lead for the team to be successful.
2. How jazz can be useful to teamwork
Team members learn to be risk takers, just as jazz musicians. A resourceful team player requires the courage to operate outside of their comfort zone, as long as it’s for the organization’s best interest. This principle applies in life as well, where failure to take the risk often leads to mediocrity.

Learning proper timing is another metaphor that can be derived from jazz music. A team player needs to position themselves to be ready to interject and contribute positively to the task. Right timing only comes through practice and group cohesion in team building activities.
3. How the jazz approach applies to other situations
Listening to jazz helps clear the mind reduce stress levels. The harmony created by jazz music triggers hormones in the body that relaxes the brain and can induce deep meditation. The different aspects and improvisation contained in jazz music help a person to distinguish and focus on what needs to be done to achieve success. Jazz allows the musicians to have fun while in a trance-like a state that gives immense pleasure to the person. Teams can learn a lot from jazz musicians, how to harness the synergy between them, collaboration, improvisation, synchrony and the appreciation of the whole over the individual.