ALTERNATIVE TEACHING METHODS
An even more pared-back version is to show selected scenes from jazz documentaries, films, concerts or other performances. Short clips followed by a discussion and analysis of the concepts that they demonstrate (eg agile experimentation, strategy implementation or shared leadership) can be very effective in the classroom. In addition, there is literature on jazz improvisation and the connection between jazz and business management that can be assigned as readings for executive audiences. • Jazz-influenced simulations : Instructors can recreate the dynamics of a jazz band by having participants simulate managerial situations fraught with complexity. One such activity involves assigning executives roles as members of an organisation tasked with addressing an unexpected challenge. Each participant is given specific information or expertise (similar to a musician’s unique skillset) that they must utilise in real-time, drawing parallels with how jazz musicians collaborate and react to unforeseen situations. The focus of the simulation is fast decision-making, iterative strategy development and collective solving of complex problems, with the instructor providing feedback on how the group handled the challenge and how well it worked collaboratively. It teaches participants the value of the process of collaboration and iteration, much like a jazz band navigating its performance. • Active listening exercises : As jazz relies heavily on active listening, management education can incorporate exercises that develop this skill. For example, an exercise can start by managers watching musicians explain the importance of listening with intention. Then in small groups they take turns reflecting out loud on what they have understood about these techniques. After the speaker is done, the next person recaptures the essence of what was said and adds their contribution to the group process, much like jazz musicians build on each other. This type of exercise can be followed by group discussions on how the concepts of active listening can improve business performance, particularly in high- pressure environments where rapid decision-making is required. Jazz-based management education is a growing trend, particularly as the business world becomes more complex and unpredictable. With a greater emphasis on agile methodologies, flexible leadership styles and collaborative team dynamics, jazz offers a model that speaks directly to the needs of modern organisations. While the use of live jazz performances as a teaching method may seem unconventional, it provides an engaging and experiential way for business executives to learn essential skills. The insights drawn from these sessions – speed of implementation, the importance of listening, the iterative nature of strategy and the value of shared language – are directly applicable to the challenges faced by today’s leaders. As management education continues to evolve, the integration of artistic disciplines such as jazz offers a fresh and creative approach to preparing leaders for the complexities of modern business. Whether through live performances or adapted classroom activities, the principles of jazz have the potential to transform how we teach and understand management, offering a powerful soundtrack for the future of leadership.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Patrick Furu is the director of Top Management Solutions at Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development, as well as a researcher at Aalto University School of Business and adjunct professor at Hult International Business School. He steps away from his work not only for music but also for cooking and sports
resonates with contemporary strategy theory and research, which views strategy as something agile and flexible, rather than fixed and static. As one executive commented: “Now I understand how strategy is a process and not a plan.” The jazz band model encourages executives to think of strategy as a series of adaptive moves, where the leader’s role is to guide the process, rather than dictate every step. For musicians to be able to start early and perform together effectively, they need to communicate through a shared language. It consists of verbal and body language, as well as musical phrases and signals. Similarly, in business, a shared language (whether it’s cultural, procedural or technical) enables fast action and efficient collaboration in any team. One participating leader said, “I need to simplify my message and only use language that my organisation can relate to.” Furthermore, the musicians’ ability to lead and follow, sometimes taking initiative and other times following and supporting their colleagues, provides a powerful model for modern leadership. It demonstrates that leadership in organisations must be fluid, with different team members stepping up as needed. Advice for management educators How can management educators bring the lessons of the jazz band model into their classrooms and leadership development programmes? While live performances and demonstrations by professional musicians are a powerful tool, there is a variety of ways to incorporate jazz principles into management education, even in more conventional settings. • Jazz performance light : Having a jazz ensemble is effective, but not always a viable option. In terms of resources, a less demanding alternative is to invite one professional jazz musician as a guest. With some preparation, they can show relevant video recordings that demonstrate the principles discussed above. Having a musician contributing to the dialogue between the business audience and the faculty is certainly beneficial in reinforcing the lessons of the jazz band model.
Ambition | DECEMBER 2024 | 25
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