Practice Spots

In this 7th article of my series “Playing the Changes: What Jazz Can Teach us About Leadership,” I’ll explore the concept of the “Practice Spots.” 

Practicing Jazz

Growing up, my piano teacher, Mrs. Christian, taught me how to practice in a consistent, creative, and deliberate way. One discipline in particular has stuck with me over the years. We’d isolate practice spots - parts of the piece I struggled with - and make a plan to work with them over the coming week. You see, it was easier to play parts of the piece that already sounded good. I could enjoy my success and feel competent. It was much harder to start with the practice spots which meant having to face difficult material and my shortcomings as a player. But it was through this kind of practice that I could reach my performance goals of playing a piece with musicality and mostly correct notes, rests, and rhythms.

I carried the discipline of practice spots into my jazz playing. My jazz teacher would challenge me to play faster tempos, more challenging chord changes, and to stretch my reharmonization abilities. Like Mrs. Christian, he could see practice spots needing my attention that I couldn’t see for myself at first. Then, through practice, I was able to see more of what was once hidden.

Practicing Leadership

It takes consistent, creative, and deliberate practice to become a better leader too. This means working on the leadership “practice spots” you know you have. It also means seeking out leadership “practice spots” that may be hidden to you now but can be discovered. Working on practice spots can be confusing, uncomfortable, and even scary. So, why do it? The reason must be important enough to you to make the effort worth it. When you’re clear on the reason, it can fuel and guide your practice.

Reflecting

• What’s your leadership “practice spot” right now?

• How do you seek out leadership “practice spots” that may be hidden to you? Who can support you in this?

• What fuels your leadership practice?

Listening: “Windows” by Chick Corea (a song with more than one practice spot for me)