Leadership lessons from the world of jazz

Dan Hammond captures the leadership lessons from a seminar by Craig Scott from the Sydney Conservatorium.

"There's probably no better example of democracy than a jazz ensemble; individual freedom but with responsibility to the group."

Michelle Obama made this statement earlier this year hosting a White House music series. Is it possible that a jazz ensemble also provides us with an unrivalled example of leadership? This idea was explored recently by Craig Scott, head of the Jazz Unit at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, at a seminar at the Centre for Leadership in Sydney, Australia. Craig drew parallels – some quite surprising – between leadership and what can appear to be the eclectic world of the jazz group.

Any fears that this was going to be a rehash of the old metaphor of the 'conductor as leader' were quickly dispensed with by the witty and modest Craig Scott and his trio who started, not by speaking, but by playing. This was interesting in itself: how many of us, when asked to speak on a subject, choose first to show it in action? Craig went on to explore three parallels of leadership and jazz: common language, the role of the leader and purpose.