Are You Working "In Concert?"

One of my favorite phrases is "in concert." It refers to working together and brings to mind symphony orchestras. The goal of successful businesses should be to work like an orchestra "in concert." 

In an orchestra, the conductor sets the pace for all sections to follow and directs the individual sections as required. Everyone shares the same music, allowing them to follow along for the parts where they begin and end their contribution. The percussion section reinforces the conductor's tempo through steady drum beats. The brass, string, and woodwind sections chatter back and forth, often in unison. Within instruments, the first chair plays the strongest and leads the other chairs. A well-conceived music piece will usually start slowly and gradually increase in tempo and complexity as each new section joins the fray. The middle can often go furiously fast, making it difficult for everyone to remain on the same page (literally and figuratively). At the conclusion, the orchestra will wind down together, having enjoyed the amplification of their individual efforts into a beautiful work of music mastery.

Unfortunately, many organizations do not work "in concert." Operations are often a cacophony of random tones, beats, and melodies. Cost-center accounting worsens this, pointing out that the guy on the tuba only plays a short part, so it would be cheaper for him to play at the beginning and then go home. Perhaps he can even be sub-contracted and show up to play his part whenever his schedule allows. Dedicated tuba workspace can now be shared by the lady playing the triangle, followed quickly by cymbals, and finally, the kettle drums. After all, it's cheaper to get those small parts out of the way. Sections with the most significant roles find themselves staying late. Simultaneously, the accountants have sent everyone else home to reduce costs and "increase efficiency." Management is often surprised that no one comes to hear them play or buys their albums. I have never been to a professional concert like this because no professional would attempt such lunacy in the world of music. 

Most organizations do not work in concert. Many do not even share the same sheets of music!

I see it all the time in the business world.