5 traits to look for in creative collaborators
Your guide to Grammy-worthy business bandmates.
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Dear Friend, Subscriber, and Category Pirate,
In business, legendary work is rarely created in isolation.
Companies thrive when teammates (aka, bandmates) take time to play and experiment with ideas.
Take Ella Fitzgerald, for example. During a performance of "Mack the Knife" in Berlin in 1960, she forgot the lyrics mid-song. Instead of panicking, she embraced the moment and seamlessly transitioned into an impromptu scat session, playfully asking, “Oh, what’s the next chorus to this song, now?” As she improvised entirely new lyrics, Ella captivated the audience with her incredible vocal range and talent.
Near the end, she joyfully sang, “We’re making a wreck, what a wreck of ‘Mack the Knife’!”
This brilliant performance not only saved the show but also earned her two Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.
Her playful approach transformed a potential disaster into a career-defining moment.
How did this happen?
Ella gave herself permission to be playful and the judgement-free atmosphere of her band allowed her to jam freely.