Sometimes we get a little stuck. It does happen. Work is at the same place, with the same people, and the same problems. The fresh perspective we seek is overcome by everyday demands and eludes us once again. John Ryskowski says that one path to a fresh perspective is to experience something that is totally unrelated, but at the same time reveals parallels to your situation. Do you know the drummer of a big band can actually guide the band, instill a sense of confidence, and inspire musicians to play as never before while adhering to the written music? Through subtle and timely cues, the drummer can ensure cohesive creativity throughout the band, maintaining the right amount of structure. Interestingly, the strategy for big band drumming parallels the skills needed for effective team leadership. John reveals the strategy for successful big band drumming, breaking it down one element at a time and discussing the similarities to team leadership. Of course, band stories and a drumming demonstration are included.

1. BW7
Session
6/8/16 2:45 PM
Team Leadership Is Like Big Band
Drumming
Presented by:
John Ryskowski
JFR Consulting
Brought to you by:
350 Corporate Way, Suite 400, Orange Park, FL 32073
888---268---8770 ·· 904---278---0524 - info@techwell.com - http://www.techwell.com/

2. John Ryskowski
JFR Consulting
John Ryskowski enjoys working through social entanglements that keep
organizations from achieving their business objectives and realizing their vision.
His latest publication explains how L-3 National Security Solutions created a small
and powerful business capture organization, demonstrating positive results in
their first three years. John has studied drum set for more than thirty-five years
and played with the Dorsey band, Big J McNeely, and others. His current studies
are Afro-Cuban rhythms and New Orleans second line drumming. John has finally
combined these two passions into a series of leadership talks from the drum set.

3. How Team Leadership is Like
Big Band Drumming
Agile West 2016
John Ryskowski
JFR Consulting
© Copyright 2016: JFR Consulting
jfr-consulting.com
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Our Objective- to get Unstuck
• Gain fresh perspective on team leadership by
– Experiencing something that is totally unrelated,
but at the same time reveals grounded parallels to
your situation
• Executing a big band chart requires a strategy with
known techniques but the flexibility to grab
opportunities to inspire and transcend the moment
– Curiosity is an opiate for learning
© Copyright 2016: JFR Consulting
jfr-consulting.com
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4. Did you know?
• The drummer of a big band can
– Actually guide the band, instill a sense of
confidence, and inspire musicians while adhering
to the written music.
– Through subtle and timely queues the drummer
can ensure cohesive creativity throughout the
band while maintaining the right amount of
structure.
© Copyright 2016: JFR Consulting
jfr-consulting.com
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Our Tools
• Drum set
• Audience
• Your handout- clapping chart
• Your participation- to clap with reckless
abandon
• Your open mind
© Copyright 2016: JFR Consulting
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5. Highlights
• Short discussions regarding
– Academic applications
– Basic objective and you
– Awareness versus focus
– Scoping and boundaries
– Managing Egos
– Establishing situational awareness
• Drum set performance of the Kubis arrangement of “A”
Train, written by Billy Strayhorn
– Deconstruction of the arrangement with guidance for teams
• Room (team) clapping assignment rehearsed and
performed with drum set. Don’t be bashful.
• Parting notes
© Copyright 2016: JFR Consulting
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A reading from the book of Strayhorn
Take the “A” Train
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6. For Your Consideration
• A short discussion of which big band
drumming technique resonates with you and
why?
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Thank You
For the complete slide set go to
jfr-consulting.com
Presentations & papers
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