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Greetings!
While thinking about the theme for this newsletter, I wondered how I could fit in an announcement about a musical event I'm hosting in October. My right-hand guy for six years, Stephen, ran a concept of his by me. I told him: it was a good one and it would be best in his own voice.
So, without further ado, here he is!
Many times when Leslie shares with me her models and theories about developing positive, whole-system work cultures, I think to myself, "This is a lot like good music."
I do tend to hear music in non-musical systems.(Music is my main obsession.) To make great music is, to my ears, to engage almost all the principles found in healthy work cultures. They're a lot alike.
One summer, years ago, I played percussion in the rhythm section of a big band, fronted by two Ethiopian brothers. Ethiopian music is harmonically simple and rhythmically difficult. I was by far the most modestly talented band member, yet I pulled it off by practicing, listening carefully, hewing to my role, and, by not being afraid to make a mistake.
And, in Leslie's terms, just as important was: to be choiceful, trust the process, and celebrate my opportunity. Also, I was given permission to perform by the leaders, so I could capitalize on the spontaneous.
Well, there you have five of the principles from Fun Works right off the bat! I had blast even though I was in over my head. The band's culture allowed its players to bring their whole person to the stage. My current music-making remains similarly informed. Yup, trust the process.
To me, Leslie's principles naturally fit because music thrills us when it's human system fires on all its cylinders. Good music is also about deep caring. This is really true in an ensemble and is just as true with solo performers. There has to be, within the structure, deep human qualities which allow for caring, give-and-take, honest communication, and, finally, great performance.
This is true for music, and, I reckon it's true for great organizations too.
Thanks, in music,
Stephen
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Here's an upcoming chance to hear this for yourself:
Leslie is hosting a house concert featuring the virtuoso guitarist, and terrific singer-songwriter, Greg Greenway, On October 2, at 7:30pm. There's a $15 charge for this intimate encounter with one of New England's most stirring performers.
A reviewer said Greenway, "channels the spirit of John Lennon, the sound of Jackson Browne, and the vibes of Ray Charles and Mahalia." Sure enough, yet I feel you have to add to this: Greenway writes songs at the level of James Taylor; plays acoustic guitar on a par with Michael Hedges, Michael Gulezian and the few other top rankers.
Greenway embodies all the principles I've spoken of here--his deep caring is central. Check out his web site and its generous tastes of his music. And, consider joining us on October 2nd. (RSVP: fun@catalystconsulting.net - 216 791-7802.
links:
Greg Greenway
Greg Greenway on youtube
 Greg Greenway, intimate house concert October 2, 7:30pm,
Bratenahl II, Bratenahl, Ohio $15 - rsvp fun@catalystconsulting.netLet me know what you think. As always, feel free to pass along, opt in or
opt out of my newsletter. Have great days,Leslie Our loyal friends have their own page at changeisfun.com Follow Me nowhavingfun on Twitter.  |
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Ins &
Outs of Motivation and much more...
Leslie Yerkes has been teaching courses in the executive education
program at The Weatherhead School of Management's Dively Center for many years.
Her classes represent the intensive version of public speaking about the same
subjects. Several years ago she began teaching two section: Managing For
Motivation, and, Managing the Generations.
Leslie fits her experiential
learning approach to two broad frameworks about motivation. One is to bring in
her long-standing understanding about the whole person at work, the second is to
differentiate what some of the generational differences are with respect to
leading and motivating today's diverse, inter-generational workforce.
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Leslie Yerkes
Leslie is co-author
of the best selling 301 Ways to Have Fun at Work (Berrett-Koehler) and is the
author of Fun Works: Creating Places Where People Love to Work
(Berrett-Koehler); Beans: Four Principles for Running a Business in Good Times
or Bad (Jossey-Bass) ; They Just Don't Get It: Changing Resistance Into
Understanding (Berrett-Koehler); and in 2008, Beyond Kicks Carrots: Motivation
for the 21st Century (Norma Sustenere Publishers.) Fun Works, published in a
revised edition in 2007, is considered a cornerstone of the research and work in
the field of the positive, high performance workplace.
As always, these subjects and much more are used as topics for her keynote
speaking. For more info: funworks@catalystconsulting.net - 216.791-7802
Quick Links
Catalyst Consulting Group, Inc. | Amazon author page
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