As I've said, I'm staying at the Chautauqua Institute over the 4th of July and today my father and I went to hear the New Arts Trio:

Rebecca Penneys, Piano
Jacques Israelievitch, Violin
Arie Lisky, Cello

As I listened to a phenomenal program consisting of the Mozart Piano Trio in b Flat Major, K. 502 and Brahms', Piano Trio in C Major, Op. 87 I realized that we can learn a lot from listening and watching this classical trio.

Teamwork
To be successful in their art form, they must rely on each other in a performance where talking isn't permitted, at least not during the actual performance. They communicate to each other with their eyes, nods of the head, a sway of the shoulders and through this silent language produce a product far superior to their competition.

Can you say the same about your team? Do you breathe in harmony, providing a seamless experience for your customer? Can you anticipate their next move? Can you read when they need you to step in and help?

Defining Your Role
As I listened to them play I realized that they each had a role to play. The cello player, Arie, appeared to be the conductor - determining the down beat so they all began each musical phrase together. Rebecca was the backbone - providing the musical foundation over which Jacques and Arie played artfully. Jacques was the spokesperson, sharing messages about the pieces they would play so that the audience clearly understood their musical story.

In your organization are the roles clearly defined? Do you empower your team to "own" their piece of puzzle that makes up your company success?

A Little Competition on Your Team is a Good Thing
Often the sound of the violin and cello blended in perfect harmony, like fraternal twins, they breathed in and out as one, each with their own tone.

At other times their musical notes echoed the others' sound in a competitive manner. Like a group of tap dancers, each trying to out do the other, they battled the notes back and forth in an artful point and counterpoint.

On our teams, competition can make everyone on the team better. Do you provide opportunities for team members to learn from each other, to raise the bar and help each other strive toward a higher goal?

I thoroughly enjoyed New Arts Trio and their incredible musical talent. I also enjoyed the opportunity to learn from them.

Look around - where are the business lessons in your life?