The beliefs are clear enough to provide guidance, direction, and alignment but general enough to allow for creativity as they are lived out in each unique situation in a marketplace requiring speed, flexibility, and spontaneity. The few simple principles provide the dynamic balance of order and chaos. At first living out the simple principles of an organization, like a new song form, is awkward and requires commitment and processes for feedback and accountability. With repetition the simple principles replace the organization's outdated and often dysfunctional unwritten rules and become conscious, internalized, and automatic. Like great musicians playing from the same song form, great employees aligned with the same purpose, vision, and values are more powerful than if all are soloing.
Improvisation is constant creativity.
Tremendous numbers of connections, that can recombine in infinite ways, are made continually as the musicians exchange vast amounts of information with one another and with their audience. The performers listen to one another, get in each other's skins, and make spontaneous decisions within the context of the song form. They trust one another, and they believe in their ability to learn and perform in real time. The band members act in concert, and great music emerges. Then leaders must let go and give employees the freedom to experiment and learn as they proceed trusting in them to find what works.