In this episode, Rijon Erickson joins Angus Grundy to explore the concept of “Organizational Musicianship,” a metaphor Rijon has developed to describe the harmony between work, craft, and human connection. Drawing from his background as a jazz musician and agile consultant, Rijon discusses how professional life can be likened to a musical performance—one where individuals and teams collaborate, improvise, and create something greater than the sum of their parts. He explains how the tension between vision and reality can fuel creativity and discusses the importance of listening and adapting within a team, much like musicians during a jam session.
Key Topics and Tensions:
Listening as Leadership
Whether leading or supporting, Rijon emphasizes the critical role of listening in any organization. He likens leadership to the role of a bandleader who knows when to step in, when to follow, and how to bring out the best in others by paying attention to subtle signals.
Work as Art
Inspired by the likes of Seth Godin, Rijon delves into the notion of work as a form of art. He argues that every project or task can be viewed as a creative endeavor—an opportunity to deliver something of quality, crafted with care, much like a piece of music.
Practice vs. Performance
Angus and Rijon discuss the parallels between practice and performance in music and the world of work. While practice hones skills and builds capability, performance is the moment of truth when individuals or teams deliver results, whether through a product launch or a client presentation.
The Role of Capability and Trust
Rijon explores how trust is built in teams, likening it to the trust musicians develop on stage. He talks about assessing someone’s capability by observing how they “play” in the work environment and how those who practice their craft diligently earn the respect of their peers.
Time and Rhythm in the Workplace
Drawing on the musical analogy, Rijon speaks about the importance of understanding time in a project context—whether it’s a sprint in software development or the lifecycle of a long-term initiative. Rhythm, both in music and in work, is about finding the right tempo for the team and the project.
Memorable Quotes:
- “I can’t force everyone to see the world the way I do, but I can invite them to make music with me.”
- “We’re not just creating a product, we’re creating art based on love. When you work together like that, you build something extraordinary.”
- “There’s practice, and then there’s performance, but the real mastery happens when you bring your whole self to both.”
Listen to this episode if:
- You’re interested in how creative processes and professional work intersect.
- You lead or work in teams and want to foster a more collaborative and harmonious work environment.
- You’re curious about how metaphors from music can provide fresh insights into leadership, teamwork, and performance.
