Training Agility as part of your Corporate Learning and Development Program
Agility is currently a commonly discussed topic since it tends to the most essential issue in business – moving quick, reacting to client’s needs, and adjusting to changes in your own particular market.
Innovation has changed almost every industry, driving a need to wind up agility in professions such as retail, healthcare and many others. Organisations now need to learn, re-learn and adapt fast to business climate and leadership changes. The need for change management is at an all-time high.
After all, agile organisations perform their best by adapting to ever evolving business conditions. So how do you jump-start and maintain corporate agility?
Music Skills: Soft Skills That Musicians Have That Employers Want
Music Skills: Soft Skills That Musicians Have That Employers Want
In the study and practice of music, students learn way more than simply how to sing or play an instrument. Most of us may not become professional musicians as adults, but the benefits of practicing and performing an instrument or music add up to much more than just having it “just as a hobby.”
Musicians benefit from a number of soft work and relational skills such as emotional intelligence, that are helpful in any type of career. Through their training music education and performances, musicians develop transferable skills, which consist of specific knowledge and skills needed for a given job, soft work skills are equally important abilities that allow you to engage well with others and accomplish work projects successfully, and these soft skills are definitely in high demand, among corporations.
Musicians can communicate effectively and work well in teams, which are highly valued by employers.
Therefore, having soft skills makes you more desirable and competitive in the job market and increases your probability of success in any position — even if you’re an entrepreneur! Whether you eventually pursue a music-related career or not, you will still greatly benefit from being more prepared to face future employment challenges by having these 5 soft skills, learned through the musical instrument and experience.
Cultural Adaptability & Different Styles
1. Time Management
In the corporate world, employers and clients naturally appreciate punctuality, and time management skills are necessary to plan one’s schedule and complete work on time. Musically speaking, musicians must learn how to meet the goals of a lesson on schedule and make adequate time to practice. It also requires personal and team responsibility, because arriving on time to play for a concert wouldn’t make sense if you haven’t practiced enough for it.
Learning music theory helps musicians understand the structure and timing of music, which is crucial for effective songwriting and time management.
Looking at music notation, it’s interesting that music is a lot about keeping in time and respecting the given time signature. The division of time in bars helps musicians organise notes, rhythm and ideas. The repetition of time in bars helps musicians practice and practice not just the mastery of melodies, rhythm but truly the mastery of time-keeping, or in other words, time management.
2. Cultural Adaptability
The ability to embrace change and adapt with the spontaneous flow is a very desirable quality in an employee. Musicians grow your musical experience by learning how to play with new groups of people, how to play different styles of music, and how to adjust to meet the requirements of different conductors or band leads. At the workplace, the same parallel skill seems to apply when we adapt to work anew with a different team, adjusting to a new procedure, or relearning a new software, employees who have the agility and ability to manage changes with smooth transition are those whom employers tend to favour.
3. Attention to details
Musical pieces no matter how simple or difficult, require perseverance to perfect the performance. Musicians regularly have to practice in short passages or even shorter bars just to perfect them. The process of perfecting musical passages or pieces creates a spirit of perseverance and perfection that is highly valued in the eyes of employers. Corporate employers know that the difference between excellent success and mediocre results lie in the attention to details. The higher valued employee tends to the one who pays close attention to work processes.
4. Listening
Musicians must listen closely to each other and to the music they perform. This attentiveness is crucial in the workplace for understanding colleagues and clients.
5. Communicate Effectively
“The true beauty of music is that it connects people.
It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.” Quote
Musicians often share insights and tips with fellow musicians, fostering a supportive community.
Good communication skills along with emotional intelligence are extremely valuable and can mean a great difference. Musicians learn how to use visual, verbal and audio cues to communicate with one another while rehearsing and performing with one another. They learn how to both read music, audience participation and engagement reactions as well. Having an all-star, an all-talented team of world-class experts at work means they all have to learn to listen and communicate to truly work together in the first place.
6. Openness to Feedback
“Music can change the world because it can change people” – Bono
Music performers learn how to deal with harsh or constructive criticism. Constructive criticism from another musician or a coach is a vital part of the learning process, and a music student always needs an experienced practitioner to help identify areas that need refinement and offer great strategies for improvement. It’s no real difference in the workplace. Employees will learn to receive feedback from their managers and bosses, and they must learn how to accept criticism objectively and refine their work in accordance to feedback.
5. Team Collaboration & Transferable Skills
“Music is therapy. Music moves people. It connects people in ways that no other medium can.
It pulls heartstrings. It acts as medicine.” Quote
Team collaboration is an indispensable skill in the business world. People have different giftings, cultural background, personalities and working styles, but they all must synergize together for individual and team success. Similarly, musical ensembles of any size need to collaborate as a team, overcoming personal differences to produce good work. Cultivating a sense of responsibility and accountability towards your team helps you feel more determined to overcome differences and carry your own part for the team as a whole.
7. Confidence
Confidence is this great positive sense of achievement that makes you feel you can overcome and conquer.
The joy and sense of having done it, that come from learning how to play an instrument, creating great music, recording your own music, and performing it successfully builds a music student’s confidence. It also teaches them how it feels to achieve something through consistent, purposeful work and passion.
Ever heard of the term ‘stage fright’? It is used by musicians and professionals alike, describing the feeling of nervousness, performing in front of others or going for a job interview and giving a presentation to clients for a sales pitch.
Thankfully, in my interaction with many of my music lessons students, there really is a musical child inside every one of us, waiting to venture the world confidently. What are you waiting for? Consider taking music lessons today!
If only corporate employers knew the true power of music, they would be including it as part of their annual corporate team building activities. Music truly is more than just for entertainment. It’s a God-given tool to help draw out sophisticated soft skills that primes us for corporate success.
8. Creativity
Musicians constantly explore new sounds, structures, and ideas to create music. This creativity can lead to innovative solutions in business settings, helping companies develop unique products or marketing strategies. Creativity enables musicians to adapt to changing musical trends. Learning to write music is an essential skill that enhances a musician’s creative capabilities.
The creative process involves experimentation, which can lead to failure and learning. This resilience cultivates a culture of risk-taking in business, encouraging employees to pursue innovative ideas without fear of failure.
Musicians often approach challenges with a fresh perspective, finding unconventional solutions. This mindset can help businesses overcome obstacles, whether in product development, marketing strategies, or operational efficiency.
Musicians excel in crafting unique identities through their art. Similarly, businesses can benefit from creative branding that resonates with their target audience, fostering brand loyalty and recognition.
In a business context, this flexibility allows organizations to respond swiftly to market shifts and consumer preferences, ensuring relevance and competitiveness.
9. Focus & Self Discipline
Regular practice is essential for musicians to master their instruments. Learning music requires regular practice and discipline, showcasing an employee’s commitment to continuous improvement. This self-discipline is transferable to any job, showcasing an employee’s commitment to their work and continuous improvement. Musicians train their minds to concentrate during practice and performance, honing their ability to focus on tasks and avoid distractions in the workplace.
10. Leadership
Many musicians take on leadership roles, guiding groups or directing projects. This experience is valuable in the workplace, where strong leaders are needed to drive teams toward success.
Music teachers play a crucial role in developing both internal and external musicianship skills, which are essential for leadership.
Musicians frequently collaborate in bands or orchestras, requiring them to lead and follow at different times. This experience teaches how to harmonize diverse talents toward a common goal, essential for business teams.
Effective communication is vital in both music and business. Musicians learn to express ideas clearly, whether through verbal discussions or non-verbal cues during performances, which fosters strong relationships in the workplace.
In a band, differences in opinions can arise. Musicians develop skills in negotiating and resolving conflicts constructively, a crucial ability for leaders to maintain team harmony and productivity.
Musicians and composers often have a clear artistic vision. This ability to inspire and motivate others toward a shared vision is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership in any organization.
Performing live requires musicians to think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances. This adaptability is crucial for leaders who must navigate shifting business landscapes and respond to unforeseen challenges.
Musicians are attuned to the emotional nuances of their art and their audience. This emotional intelligence helps leaders understand their team members’ needs, fostering a supportive work environment.
Experienced musicians often take on mentorship roles, guiding younger or less experienced members. This practice cultivates a culture of learning and development, important for nurturing talent within a business.
Live performances can be high-stress situations that require quick decision-making to perform well. This experience equips musicians with the ability to make effective decisions in business under pressure.
Musicians are trained to think creatively, which is invaluable when addressing business challenges. Creative leaders can take music skills to devise innovative solutions that drive success.
Musicians build trust through consistent performance and collaboration. Leaders who prioritize trust within their teams foster loyalty and commitment, essential for long-term success.
Musicians regularly set personal and group goals, learning the importance of accountability. Leaders who implement goal-setting practices can enhance team performance and drive results.
Musicians understand the value of celebrating achievements, both big and small. Leaders who recognize and celebrate team successes boost morale and motivation.
Performing in front of audiences helps musicians develop strong presentation skills. This capability is crucial for pitches, meetings, and other professional settings.
11. Patience
Mastering an instrument or skill level takes time and effort. Musicians develop patience, which is beneficial in work environments that require long-term focus and steady progress.
Musicianship education involves students developing foundational skills over time, which fosters a mindset focused on achieving significant goals.
Musicians invest years in mastering their craft. This long-term commitment fosters a mindset focused on achieving significant goals over time, which is crucial for businesses aiming for sustainable growth.
Patience teaches musicians to appreciate the process of learning and improvement. In business, this translates to valuing incremental progress and understanding that success is often a marathon, not a sprint.
Musicians face countless setbacks, from failed performances to difficult pieces. This resilience helps them persevere through challenges, a quality that business leaders must embody when navigating obstacles.
Musicians understand the importance of refining their musical skills well, often taking the time needed to perfect their craft. In business, prioritizing quality over speed can lead to better products, services, and customer satisfaction.
Creating music often involves collaboration and patience to develop strong relationships. In business, for example, building trust and rapport with clients, partners, and team members takes time and requires patience.
Musicians must practice meticulously, paying attention to nuances in their performances. This attention to detail is critical in business for ensuring quality control and delivering exceptional results.
Patience allows musicians to view failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. In a business context, this perspective encourages a culture of experimentation and innovation.
Musicians must think strategically about their development and performances, often taking the time to analyze what works and what doesn’t. This strategic mindset is invaluable for business leaders making critical decisions.
Musicians often mentor younger performers, understanding that skill development takes time. In business, leaders who cultivate and nurture talent within their teams can create a more skilled and committed workforce.
The long practice hours required in music instill a strong sense of motivation. Business leaders can draw on this experience to inspire their teams to stay focused and motivated over long projects.
12. Emotional Intelligence
Understanding emotions is key for musicians to connect with their audience. This skill helps in managing interpersonal relationships in a work environment, fostering a positive atmosphere. Musicians understand the power of storytelling and emotional connection. This skill can enhance marketing campaigns, making them more engaging and memorable, thereby attracting more customers.
The Importance of Corporate Team Building Activities
In this highly competitive business environment and constant changes companies and workers alike are constantly faced with, corporate must strategically turn to more effective ways to make sure that the workforce is sensitized and agile enough to undertake tasks as they get even more complex. This should serve not only as a means to achieve short-term higher productivity and withstand even the toughest competition from emerging markets, but also to help companies prepare for the challenges that the quick evolving future is destined to bring.
By increasing researching, searching high and low for new innovative ways, methods or programs for employee engagement to learn to adapt to the tepid and ever changing economic climate, corporate prepares workers for even the most volatile and aggressive work conditions and enables them to put in their best while fostering a highly motivated and productive environment.
Enter Team building! The industry of Team building is such an incredibly creative and innovative one, adding incredible value to the entire global corporate world, regardless whether it is multi-national companies, startups, government agencies and ministries etc. From a high and long-term perspective of progress, companies stand to gain several benefits from regularly searching and participating team building activities. By recognizing that the quality of results obtained in any work environment is directly dependent on the human connections between workers and aiming to further improve that connection, organization set themselves up to ascend in their business performance. After all, human resource is our greatest resource in our stewardship.
These are the notable benefits of Team Building activities:
1) Facilitates better communication –
Perhaps the most notable benefits of team building lies in the fact that it helps to foster better communication and soft skills required to function healthily in a corporate environment of diverse talents and functions. By performing interesting exercises outside the usual tense and serious work environment, employees learn to relax around each other and find space to communicate more freely and naturally. This improved communication goes a long way to strengthen office relationships and enhance the quality of work that is done.
2) Boosts team morale –
It is easy to fall quickly into routines when most of the activities of the day are repetitive tasks. Incorporating collaborative or competitive team building activities in will refresh the country’s workers and serve as that extra vigor needed to break them out of the usual routine and put them in an much more exhilarating state. Not only do these bonding exercises add something new to the mix, team building sessions typically end in a highly energetic and relieving tone and leave an high aftereffect that could last for a long while.
3) Recognition of both unit and collaborative achievements –
Employees are a valuable unit of an organisation. The sum quality of all their interactions is representative of the true working synergy of the entire organisation.
By working in teams, each member understands that he or she has a specific duty to perform and the achievement is attributed to the whole team as a unit. Team building uses small, fun and even competitive activities to help draw out strengths and weaknesses of each member of the team and further build a support structure where all members are not only motivated to work harder, but also commended in times of achievement. These team building are great tools to overcome the team collaboration hurdles the affect every corporate team in the world.
This is particularly advantageous when there is a need for specialization in tasks to be carried out and the team consists of multi-disciplinary individuals. Each member of the team, through team bonding and team work is assured that his/her contributions are not only vital but also valuable to the overall collaborative success of the project.
4) An increase in productivity-
Corporate Team building increases motivation, creates improvement in communication and an overall overhaul in the workforce morale serve as an effective catalyst to create a surge in productivity and efficiency. Obstacles that may have seemed difficult to overcome in the past become stepping stones as there are greater collaborations and commitment to one another.
5) Creates a happier and fun work environment-
Anyone who has ever worked in a group before will admit that teamwork makes even the most boring projects fun. By being a part of a productive and active team, ideas and innovations can be shared between one another and each member of the team may improve the output by chipping in little inputs.
Continually setting up exercises to conduct great fun team building that facilitates the outrageous fun and humour out of your teammates, bigger goals can later be accomplished by teams when they are back serious at work.
6) Building necessary trust-
Bonding activities often comprises of collaborative or competitive processes that are both fun and exciting. This way, participants learn to open up to one another and trust in each other’s ability to handle designated task. Simple exercises like maintaining eye contact or holding hands helps to establish a connection that improves dependability on one another. Not only does this grow a mutual trust between employees but also, helps to foster the much needed comfort required daily in order to achieve organisational objectives. So by getting the workforce to loosen up and be more open with one another, they subconsciously break down psychological barriers, learn to trust and work together as a trusting unit.
In order to prepare for the future, organisations and corporate enterprises globally, must start to look to team building as an important means to counteract the effect of the economic disruption caused by the globalization and digitization around them. Even then, what may seem like insurmountable problems like excessive competitions and lack of productivity could be overcomes with more intentional and regular team building activities, organised to improve the quality of our corporate teams.
Most importantly, with a genuine appreciation for team building, the employees and service personnel are bound to gain the most as they will begin to experience a certain degree of job fulfillment and realize that being a part of the corporate team is indeed a privilege and a joy.
7) Agility –
Training Agility is such a big thing in the corporate world. It comprises of leadership and team agility. Great team building activities that allows teammates to learn a new life skill and collaborate outside of the usual work comfort zone are powerful environments to foster agility. These teaches teammates the life skill of change management, which is basically the resilience and ability to adapt to rapid changes, a skill highly required in the fast-changing business world.
Problem-Solving Strategies as a Team that might lead to a Breakthrough Moment!
Your Task: Design an interesting task or problem for your team to solve together.
Honestly, it doesn’t have to be a work related goal because it might sometimes take the fun of this creative exercise. Try achieving big tasks like learning to play as a Rock Band. Such big corporate teambuilding activities are great opportunities for the entire team to hit a high in morale, when they achieve ‘miracles’ together, in a shorter than expected time.
“Struggle and insight go together,” says David Perkins, research professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. “You are not likely to achieve an insight, unless you’ve struggled with the problem intensely. Breakthrough thinking is usually preceded by a lot of dead ends and bad ideas. “If you look historically at breakthroughs, the story is never just about the key insight. It’s also about what led up to it and what followed it,” says Perkins. “Typically that involves a lot of work.”