Musicality of Communications

Have you ever watched an orchestra or any kind of musical group play? It can really be a fun and enjoyable experience, especially when they are playing music you like. The sounds they produce are in sync and harmony and can make a true connection to any or all who are listening. What is particularly interesting is the individual musician in a group and the challenges he or she has to meet in order for the entire group to produce a pleasant sound. One such challenge for this person, irregardless of the instrument they are playing, is to focus on making sure they are playing their own notes correctly in a time when they are supposed to. Another challenge is that they have to pay attention - listen - to what the musicians next to them and those around them are doing so they can make any necessary adjustments in their playing should unexpected occurrences arise. These individual musicians, then, have to both focus on themselves and others: communicate at and communicate with.

The dual challenges of the musician are very similar of those of a communicator. Yes, the communicator needs to devise effective and even creative strategies with which to connect with others. But these strategies must be derived from information they have collected by learning more about the people with whom they are attempting to blend. It is all part of establishing and maintaining an ongoing dialog with others. No one communicates in a vacuum just as no musician in a group plays within a vacuum. Communication, ideally, is a circular exchange and interaction between information collected and information shared. The two build on each other much like Ravel's "Bolero" continues to expand.

This gives us one more reason to admire musicians. Not only do they deserve applause for the skills they exhibit at playing an instrument, but they should also be recognized for demonstrating just how enjoyable and meaningful effective communication can be when all the right notes are hit.