Robert Schepens in his great “Collaboration is a Blues Jam” talks about the movement from organization as orchestra to organization as blues jam.
The Jam relies upon a flow of talent wanting/ willing/ hoping to come on then off the stage, mixing new people and talents with old. Players will take chances with new riffs or lines of a song and will play off of each other’s talents. This “Jam” (Collaboration) produces new music, new interpretations of old music…and innovations never heard before. Some memories last, some don’t, but everyone involved (audience, players) come away feeling that THEY had something to do with the success of the evening (into the early mornings). They were INVOLVED.
It is a powerful metaphor as we talk about the design of collaborations in communities, organizations, and networks. This is the shift from causal to effectual innovation, huge difference in a dynamic world. Where is the next blues jam in your city that you can get to? Do yourself a favor, take notes, dance to the notes, and take your learning anywhere you can.
