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Autonomy

Autonomy

True autonomy depends on the equity of each party concerned. Leadership is no longer a static position but one that is dependent on the ability to respond to changing needs and to delegate to others based on their areas of expertise. In the jazz ensemble the constant transition between leading and support strengthens and expands the capabilities of both the individual and the team.

Autonomy in jazz is inclusive in nature. Leading, implementing leadership and supporting the foundation on which leadership is based are functions that transcend traditional job descriptions. True autonomy means the organizational ability to balance the need for structure with the need for flexibility- to consistently blend individual intention and behavior with group intention and behavior. This dynamic has been at the core of jazz since the beginning of the 20th century.

Negotiating Change

The members of a jazz ensemble possess and practice a set of shared behaviors that we call the Five Dynamics of Jazz. These five dynamics, whose acronym is APRIL are:

  • Autonomy

    Self-governing, self-regulating, adaptable and independent—yet in support of—and interdependent with, the structure and purpose of the team. More ›

  • Passion

    The single most important resource for any company lives in the diverse nature of the heart of each of its employees—the quality of emotional vibrancy, zest, commitment, and energy to pursue excellence and the course one believes to be true. More ›

  • Risk

    Taking risk in jazz means minimizing the confining elements of process while maximizing the output of constructive new ideas and perspectives. It means the ability to take chances and explore new territory and methods in pursuit of shared goals, and the ability to support others in their explorations. More ›

  • Innovation

    A conscious, purposeful search for new opportunities—the ability to engage unexpected change, incongruities and problems as opportunities for new discovery. Innovation means the skill to create the new by reinventing the old in ever-changing new contexts. More ›

  • Listening

    In a world of increasing complexity and diversity survival depends on the ability to listen beyond the comfort zone of what we already understand. To truly hear and feel the communication of new ideas, of passion, meaning and the rhythms of others. More ›