I'm probably a bit odd, but I spent a good chunk of time on the trip Jill and I took with our friends Gill and John to Playa Car in Mexico last month reading about neuroscience, focused attention, and coaching.

In a nutshell, I learned that we shape our brains by what we choose to pay focused attention to with purpose, persistence, and practise. Intermittent and casual attention, passively noting what's going on around and to you, is not sufficient to create healthy habits of being. Purposeful intention applied in a dedicated and disciplined manner is how humans best prepare to flourish by contributing their brilliance to the common good.

I see this more and more clearly every time I pay attention to the performance of the Jazzthink Trio in our SMARTer Teamwork sessions. Here's my current take on how I see the flow of their performance.

First, they build on what they love. Jazz musicians love what they do - the music, the instruments, and the playing. Their purpose is to express themselves through their music. They are driven by their love for the art through which they tell their stories and explore their passions. They love the ever-emerging possibilities of expressing themselves in authentic and creative ways, communicating with others about the ways in which their souls are evolving. I use the word soul, as you may know already, for the deepest centre of integration in a person's being. By building on what they love, jazz musicians enrich their circles of influence with their unique brilliance.

Second, they bring their best. Jazz musicians provoke each other to bring their best talents and imaginations to the performance. They provide space for each musician to offer their best contribution to the piece they have agreed to play together. In this space, a creative tension develops as each person explores what this riff or that riff might best contribute to the impact of the performance as a whole. New possibilities often emerge from this kind of conversation, possibilities that open up innovative approaches to serving the common good even better. As trumpet virtuoso Miles Davis often said to his groups, "Play your best. Then play above that. That's how great music happens."

Third, they break through their barriers. It's not easy to master the art of expressing your brilliance in ways that contribute to a common purpose. It takes intention, attention, and effort. That, however, is what dedicated jazz musicians do everytime they practice and play. Trumpet virtuoso Chris Botti, for example, still practices 3-4 hours a day. These musicians are striving to take their performance to a higher level, breaking through the barriers that keep them stuck at their current level of mastery. And they are not alone in this endeavour. They are constantly provoked and supported by the other musicians with whom they play. Barriers to improvement are expected - individually and collectively. They are faced honestly and hopefully. They are tackled and conquered with focused attention and mutual support.

Fourth, they beautify their world. Beautification is seldom an idea associated with the process of improving teamwork in a business or organization. It think that's a shame. The qualities normally associated with beauty - elegance, grace, inspiration, calm, joy, passion, warmth, radiance - belong at the heart of teamwork. We flourish in a community where these qualities generate the vibe. A jazz group, in the groove of a swinging performance, is a thing of beauty. So is a team of people doing their best to serve the common good they love.

Fifth, they bask in their brilliance. The jazz musicians I work with enjoy doing well what they love. When they complete a piece, they chuckle, smile, and nod at each other in an expression of sincere appreciation for the support they gave to bringing out the best in each other. They bask for a moment in the brilliance they brought together in seeking new ways of performing the piece for the audience. At the same time, the audience is applauding with enthusiasm. It's an important moment of celebration for all the intention, attention, and effort that has gone into the performance. Then they're on to the next piece, on to another opportunity to replay the whole process again and grow even more.

The flow I've just described will work for any team, but only if there is clarity about the common task and a willingness to contribute and support everyone's best. That requires a blending of mind and heart in paying attention to the beneficial performance that is possible in the situation. When the brain is guided by such a curious mind and a loving heart, it operates in the harmonious swing of a great jazz group.

Pay attention to what's happening in your team and find ways to model the kind of flow I've described. It really does work. Just give is a serious try and see for yourself.

Cheers,