Unlocking Team Trust and Creativity: The Power of Songwriting in Team Building
Launching a new team or fellowship program is an exciting endeavor, but the success of these initiatives hinges on building deep and purposeful connections among the participants. The Winston-Salem and Greensboro Leadership Programs, a 10-month leadership program for recent college graduates, recognized the importance of creating a transformational experience for its fellows. In their quest for innovative team-building techniques, entered the world of Artistic Leadership and songwriting, a decision that ultimately led to remarkable results.
Harnessing the Creative Edge
Ned Erikson, founder and director of The Fellows Programs, known for his love of creative endeavors, was intrigued when Anne Powers, a coach and leadership trainer, suggested integrating Artistic Leadership into their 2-day program kickoff. While some team members were initially skeptical, Anne, along with seasoned team-builder Frank McNair, wholeheartedly endorsed this innovative approach, recognizing its potential for fostering trust and creativity.
Incorporating art forms, such as songwriting, into team building provides an ideal platform for achieving flow and deepening connections. As Artistic Leadership founder and teaching artist Tiffany Thompson explains, "When we create together, we move beyond our minds to the expansive space of the soul." This fast-tracks vulnerability and trust, essential elements for all creative work.
Witness the Impact
For the Fellows Program, Tiffany enlisted collaborating artist Michael Anderson to demonstrate the power of collaborative creation. After the Fellows underwent the creative songwriting process, Tiffany and Michael performed the brand-new creation live, fostering a moment of collective joy and connection that elevated the entire experience. You can watch this transformative moment below.
Concrete Outcomes
After the group basked in the joy of singing together, they engaged in a meaningful discussion about the implications of tone, creativity, and connection for their upcoming 10-month journey together. Testimonials from Ned and the students affirmed that songwriting made them feel like integral parts of something larger than themselves, highlighting the core outcome of any team-building activity – the foundation of teamwork.
The fusion of songwriting and team building can be a catalyst for building trust, enhancing creativity, and fostering connections within groups of individuals new to one another. The transformative power of creative flow should not be underestimated, as it sets the stage for meaningful interactions that can shape the entire duration of collaboration. By embracing this innovative approach, you can unlock the potential for your team to thrive, connect deeply, and achieve outstanding results.