4 tiny rehearsal habits
Surgeon Atul Gawande said, "Culture is the sum total of shared habits and expectations." We establish shared habits, either intentionally or unintentionally. Over time, these habits are normalized and become accepted expectations.
We arrive at a state of "this is just how things are here."
Here are 4 tiny habits we need more of in our orchestral and opera rehearsals - and we can create them with intention in an effort to better our culture:
1. Have a gesture or signal when a mistake happens - This can be a simple hand raise or saying "oops." This will normalize our shared fallibility. The habit of calling ourselves out on our mistakes dissolves the silent judgment and shame that can linger in our musical workplaces.
2. State why we are doing something again (even if it is obvious) - Clear is kind, and transparency fuels a sense of collective purpose. How many times have we wondered while sitting in rehearsal, "Why are we doing this again?" Having a clear goal for every step we take gives us a steady sense of accomplishment.
3. Use first names whenever possible - This takes effort but makes a huge difference in helping musicians feel seen as an individual. It helps establish a personal connection that can transcend barriers that result from the clear hierarchy of our arts organizations.
4. Ask what is helpful and what is not - We don't make music alone. We can all help our colleagues do their work better and more comfortably. We are not aware how we impact others. So it is always better to ask than to assume. We can ask, "Was that helpful?" and "What am I doing that gets in your way?"
Not all habits serve us, or they once have but no longer do.
We can all benefit from 1) reflecting on our shared habits and expectations and 2) creating intentional habits that help us grow toward the kind of organization we aspire to be.
Choosing one tiny habit is all we need to begin. Which one of the above would you be curious to try?
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