The Project now Stands Adjourned

On this holiday weekend, I am reminded of the choirs I have been involved in at different levels of responsibility. I think one of the strongest links to a powerful adjournment is the group's consensus to the vision. This joint venture requires the best from yourself and equal attention to those about you whether voice, instrument, stage, lighting, sound, set-up or director. These all-consuming collaborative  efforts. striving for excellence for the cause makes for wonderful, celebratory moments after the last performance. Hugs, tears, hoarse voices and heavy steps walk away from this amazing journey, knowing we will see each other again but not with the energy surge as the past days have brought.

The question is how to make the effort worth it. Either where we are has to be shown as unacceptable or the goal has to be worth the while for each participant.

As well as the vision, there is that sense of joint venture - warm-ups, tuning, butterflies and one voice that connects both mind, senses and spirit. Mis-steps or misses are a group affair.

We are heading to our graduation ball in a few months and I think of its aftermath. After the last twirl or hip-swinging train or little body swinging safe in the arms of a caring adult and good byes and thank you's are only an echo, the staff pretty much collapses. But it is a happy tired because the roles were clear and everyone both did their job and supported others to do theirs. The collaboration of person with person  makes the end moments so precious and gives everyone a place at the table. The staff meeting will bring thank you's and other recognitions but that moment of camaraderie stands out as a ' well worth the effort' moment.

The adjournment reviews the success and remembering that it is done by people, the team. After a time, reviews will point out what things could be improved on. I have memories of school parties that did not end as well. The main reason, I think was the lack of collaboration born from low commitment on the part of the team members.The roles that were clearly defined as it happened did not fit the one the ground situation. The one that blazes clearly in my memory denigrated to personal attack and shame as we went into our Christmas vacation. However, awful this was, the next time there was a stronger drive to see that the job was accomplished not only well but to the best of our ability.

Each contribution is important and adds to the success or failure of a project. While a leader is important, it is just as important that the members are fully onboard. Sometimes it may be their job to help the leader be a good one.

What are  my words:   vision     commitment     collaboration     celebration