Transcript
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Wynton Marsalis is one of the most talented trumpet players alive. He also has written several books, including Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life.
Read the following passages from Marsalis’s book, and then answer the questions about creative individuals and organizations.
Case Study
A palpable energy is released when inspiration and dedication come together in a creative art. That energy is transformative in an individual who is innovative, but it is transcendent when manifested by a group. There are no words for the dynamic thrill of participating in a mutual mosaic of creativity. Remember, you don’t have to earn your creativity—you were born with it. We are all potential artists, and artists cultivate their creativity obsessively, compelled by the need to create the feeling of community anywhere they can—in the subway, at a picnic, after dinner, even at a business convention. The feeling of giving enjoyment and enlightenment to the same human beings you have taken inspiration from is addictive.
When kids think innovation is the only way to be successful, unrealistic expectations prevent them from embracing the fundamentals of the art. It’s as if they think listening to Charlie Parker will somehow compel them to play like him. (They don’t need to worry; they won’t.) If a musician doesn’t love anything or want to be influenced by anything, he or she will never really experience the transcendent power of art. Believe it or not, some think that interacting with the music is like sleeping with the enemy, because its great achievements might influence their sound and sully their virginal, fresh concepts.
From: Marsalis, W. (2008). Moving to higher ground: How jazz can change your life. New York: Random House.
1- Which of the following pieces of advice for developing a creative organization is contrary to Marsalis’s advice?
Give people the freedom to discuss ideas.
Provide people with training opportunities.
Open channels of communication.
Assign nonspecialists to problems.
2- Managers cannot demand innovation, but they can create environments that are conducive to innovation. Which of the following actions would Marsalis recommend that managers take to spur innovation in organizations? Check all that apply.
Provide employees with training to increase their skills.
Require employees to account for the time they spend in creative pursuits.
Have less experienced employees work with more experienced employees.
Assign only inexperienced employees to problems requiring high levels of creativity.
3-Imagine that you are putting together a band. You are auditioning new band members to evaluate their skill. You hope to find a talent as awesome as Wynton Marsalis! In addition, you will interview the musicians to assess their fit with the band. You are also thinking about how you will manage the band over many practice sessions and when touring together for months at a time.
You don’t want a lot of arguments in your band. Which of the following statements during the job interview indicates that the musician may be a good fit? Check all that apply.
“I left the Old Toasters because everyone seemed to look down on me. When the drummer told me to stop being a diva, just because I was yelling at him, I quit.”
“It’s important to show up on time for practice and for gigs. If someone’s missing, then everyone else can’t really make the music.”
“In my last group, when the lead singer wanted us to cut the jam short, I was fine with it. You know, I pick my battles, and when it’s not important, I just go along to get along.”
“I don’t carry the heavy equipment around. I could—I’m strong enough—but that’s the roadies’ job.”
1.Assign non-specialists to problems
2.Provide employees with training to increase their skills.
Transcript © WireImage Video/Getty Images Wynton Marsalis is one of the most talented trumpet players alive....
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