Leadership in Harmony: Lessons from Jazz, Rock, and Symphony
In the heart of Amsterdam, in a cosy yet bustling café, Amir Sabirović, a seasoned change manager, found himself in the online company of two notable figures in the realm of organisational development: Rik Spann, an Amsterdam-based innovation consultant with a passion for jazz, and Simon Martin, a UK-based consultant known for his transformative approach to organisational change.
The trio had come together to explore the intricacies of innovative leadership, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Amir, ever the gracious host, kicked off the conversation with a warm welcome and a hint of technical difficulty, which he handled calmly, setting the tone for the lively discussion that followed.
Simon, based in Oxford and known for his eclectic approach to problem-solving, introduced himself first. He spoke about his work with diverse groups of people, helping them shift their perspectives and navigate complex organisational landscapes. Rik followed, emphasising his dual interest in the business and creative worlds, particularly how jazz improvisation can offer fresh insights into leadership and innovation.
As the conversation deepened, Amir shared his analogy comparing jazz bands, rock bands, and symphony orchestras to different organisational structures. “A jazz band,” he explained, “is like a startup — flexible, innovative, and always improvising. A rock band is a scale-up, needing some structure but still retaining its creative edge. A symphony orchestra represents a corporate entity — highly organised, with every note carefully planned.”
Rik nodded in agreement, adding, “In jazz, when something unexpected happens, it’s not seen as a mistake but as an opportunity. It’s about embracing the disruption and finding new ways to create harmony.”
Simon chimed in, reflecting on the importance of conversations in driving change. “Conversations are the vehicles for change,” he said. “They are where ideas are born and evolve. Much like jazz, where each musician listens and responds to the others, effective leadership is about listening and responding to the needs and ideas of the team.”
Amir then touched on the discomfort of change, likening it to the awkwardness of a jazz improvisation session. “It’s about being comfortable with the uncomfortable,” he said. “Leaders need to adapt and continue, much like jazz musicians do when encountering unexpected changes.”
The discussion took a reflective turn as they discussed the pitfalls of traditional management structures. Amir pointed out that many organisations suffer from communication breakdowns and lack of trust. “We assume others understand our intentions without clear communication, leading to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.”
Simon highlighted the value of metaphor in helping leaders see their organisations from a new perspective. “Using analogies like the jazz band can create a safe space for discussion. It allows leaders to step back and view their roles and the organisation’s dynamics differently, fostering innovation and collaboration.”
Rik shared a story from his experience, recounting a jazz performance where a renowned percussionist, Nana Vasconcellos, sat quietly for most of the concert, only to contribute a single, perfectly timed note. “That’s leadership,” Rik said. “Knowing when to intervene and step back creates space for others to shine.”
The trio agreed on fostering an environment where team members feel safe to experiment and make mistakes. Amir emphasised, “Innovation comes from challenging the status quo and being open to new ideas, even if it means failing along the way.”
As the conversation drew to a close, they reflected on the broader implications of their discussion. They acknowledged that while frameworks and structures are necessary, the essence of innovative leadership lies in the ability to navigate chaos and complexity with a balance of freedom and discipline.
In the end, it was clear that their shared passion for jazz and its principles provided a rich metaphor for understanding and leading in today’s dynamic organisational environments. They left the café inspired and ready to apply the lessons of their conversation to their respective fields, embodying the spirit of innovative leadership they had so passionately discussed.
