RHYTHM-BASED TEAM BUILDING EVENT
Entrainment: This is a physical reality. Two or more things beating in a similar tempo will begin to beat together when placed close to each other. Two alarm clocks will begin ticking together. Two hearts will beat as one.
When people work in groups, they become naturally entrained. They feel the pulse of the group and work in rhythm. If someone falls out of step, they will correct themselves, or the group will pull them back into line.
Unity through diversity: A box of crayons must be multicolored. A box of chocolates must be assorted. Differences blended together form the unique whole.
People working in groups each contribute their unique skills, talents and personalities. No two people are exactly alike, and no two teams can be exactly alike. A team is the combined effort of each member. All members produce one outcome. Whether drumming or working, the group’s end product is the combined effort of different individuals.
Find and feel “1”: 1 is where we begin. 1 is where we start. 1 is what holds us together. 1 creates the pulse.
People working in groups must know where to begin. They understand deadlines and due dates. They follow a workflow. The flow is marked along the way by specific milestones. They combine to measure their progress around them. They regroup and move forward to the next objective. They follow a common pulse.
Play to make others sound good: If recognition is good for you, it is also good for your team members to be recognized.
When one group member begins to shine, the others will be working in the background to provide support. In turn, group members can uplift members who cannot shine on their own and put them in the spotlight. When others look good, the group looks good. Egos are abandoned for the benefit of the group.
Make music, not noise: Music is the combined planned effort of a group listening to each other and producing a desirable outcome. Noise is a pack of individuals concentrating on their own product and banging away at it alone until complete.
When people work in groups, listening is the most important communications skill they can apply. When they listen to each other and follow each other, it becomes easier to entrain and work together.
Rhythm is consistent: Rhythm is something you can dance to. Music may be arrhythmic, and this may be part of the plan, but you cannot dance to it.
For a rhythm to be danceable, it must be consistent. It must have a pulse that can be felt. This pulse must continue for the dance to move.
The same applies to people working in groups. If the rhythm is consistent, the group task is accomplished more smoothly and flows from beginning to end.
Every part is a big part: From the smallest voice of a whispering shaker to the booming voice of a bass drum, every voice contributes to the complete rhythm. Were one voice to drop out, the absence would be noticed immediately.
Every member of a group contributes a significant part. Every bit of work is important. As a result, all group members need to put forth their best efforts in accomplishing their tasks.
A group can only be as strong as its weakest member. If any member is unhappy with what they have been assigned and contributes only half-heartedly, the ebb in enthusiasm effects everyone.
Adapt to change Part of the fun in drumming is shifting the rhythm and keeping in time with the group. Sometimes this will occur naturally, sometimes through the coaxing of a group member.
People working in groups also experience shifts in the rhythm. Sometimes these are external, applied through outside pressure. Sometimes they are internal when the group feels it’s okay to relax for a while and slow down, or when the feel the need to speed up and work harder.
Changes in drumming can take place in speed, tone and volume. Likewise, changes in group work can take place in the pace of work, the amount of work, or how hard people work. Any change can be felt and adapted to.
What you play is as important as what you don’t: The noises you make on your drum are as vital to the rhythm as the spaces between them. These are left for others to fill, or simply left open for others to feel.
When people work in groups, tasks are delegated for individuals to fill. When someone is free, they can pitch in to help another. People take turns dropping out for short breaks; sometimes everyone breaks together. Too much open s[pace makes the rhythm sporadic; just enough makes it interesting.
Seize the opportunity: When the time comes for your group to be recognized, take it. When your chance comes to contribute, take it. When the rhythm arrives at the spot that only you can fill, jump in. When you have something important to contribute, add it. Holding back prevents some of the best ingredients from entering the mix.
Wait for your opportunities. Recognize them when they arrive. Seize them and add to the positive group dynamic.