We usually begin a Jazzthink event by asking people what qualities of productive teamwork they see in a jazz performance and what they think currently gets in the way of that happening in their workplaces. Productivity, as I have come to understand it, arises from 1) an effective alignment of people, purpose, and processes that 2) generates sustainable and valuable results through 3) creative and effective activities.
So, what gets in the way of this quality of collaboration? The 3 most commonly identified barriers are lack of a compelling direction, lack of clear communication, and undisciplined egos. When any one, let alone all three, of these dynamics are in play during a jazz performance, the result is disasterous. It’s simply discordant confusion. I’ve seen far too many teams like this within organizations. And the tragedy is that they’ve simply accepted their dysfunctions as the way things are, often blaming those things on others.
To open up new possibilities of productivity, every team member, with the inspiration and support of the team leader, has to take responsibility for their contribution to the team.
They can do that as soon as their next conversation, carefully considering how that conversation can stimulate clarity of direction, clear communication, and genuine cooperation.
The tone that works best in generating these most lacking qualities of productive teamwork is curiosity. Questions invite people into the common space by seeking to understand their attitudes and perspectives, by respecting their views, and by soliciting their suggestions. They become co-creators of the results.
And that’s the only way I’ve found that productive teamwork actually works.
I’m curious about your views. What have you found to be the top 3 barriers to productive teamwork? And what have you found to be the most effective remedies to them?
