How to Motivate Your Team When the Results Aren’t There Yet
Struggling to keep your team motivated when the numbers aren't showing up? Learn how celebrating small wins and focusing on process can build long-term momentum.
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Leadership in Harmony: What Leaders Can Learn from Musicians
At one point in my life, I thought I was going to be a professional drummer (I know, insert the joke here).
As a drummer, I understood my role in the band. My job was to create an undeniable heartbeat—something that made people move. A steady, solid groove doesn’t just drive the music forward; it also gives other musicians a foundation. It relaxes them, lets them settle into a pocket, and frees them to express themselves fully.
Good musicians call this the K.I.S.S. principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid. The best ones know that simplicity isn’t a weakness—it’s an art. They can take something basic and make it feel sublime. A single held note, a hypnotizing pattern, or a perfectly placed silence can shift the emotional energy of an entire song. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.
Take Howard Grimes' drumming on Al Green’s Love and Happiness. It’s nothing more than a call and response between the bass drum and snare, yet it carries so much depth. When I hear it, I can’t help but imagine everyone in the studio smiling, fully locked into the groove. That’s the power of simplicity—it allows others to shine.
Or listen to Tina Weymouth’s bassline on Psycho Killer by Talking Heads. It’s just three notes, yet those muted notes give the track the perfect bounce. Less was indeed more.
Even when soloing, restraint is key. David Gilmour’s intro to Shine On You Crazy Diamond on Pink Floyd’s live album Pulse is a masterclass in patience. He lets his notes breathe, unfolding the melody slowly, creating an emotional landscape. There’s no rush, no need to impress—just a deep connection to the moment.
Musicians are inherently good listeners. They have to be. They play less so that others can flourish, creating harmony by giving each other space. And that’s exactly what great leaders do.
As leaders, we need to listen more and talk less. We need to create environments where others feel comfortable enough to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. We need to stop trying to prove how smart we are and instead focus on bringing out the best in those around us. When we give people room to contribute—when we step back and support rather than dominate—we get the best ideas, the best performances, and the best versions of our teams.
Leadership, like music, is about balance. It’s about knowing when to play and when to hold back. When we learn to lead like great musicians, we create workplaces that are in rhythm, in sync, and, ultimately, in harmony.
"Know what’s enough. Build what matters.”
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