You know the expression: “they were like herding cats”? It’s typically a way to describe a group where everyone has their own agenda and is difficult to corral. Last night, I saw an entirely different version of how cats get together!
I had the pleasure of attending a private concert in the heart of London, as we celebrated the latest and greatest wines from the Chêne Bleu vineyard…. presided over by my friend, Nicole Rolet. For entertainment, we were swooned by the dulcet sounds and comic acts of the Yale University Alley Cats, an a capella singing group that was founded in 1943 (and in which my father sang in 1959). For those of you who’ve been following my Dialogos, you’ll know that I feel we’ve lost our way in terms of living in community, with an exaggerated sense of individuality and, worse, rampant narcissism. The Yale Alley Cats model a behavior that exemplifies how to live in community, all the while performing at the highest level. I was inspired.
Here’s what the Alley Cats demonstrated last night:
the entire team was at the service of the performance
the lead singing was shared among all members of the group
any lead singing was done without the need to dominate or show off
talent was on full display, ego was subdued
if it’s an all-male group, there was definitely diversity among the singers
division of labor. Everyone has a role on and/or off the floor. One person (Adrien, also son of Nicole) was emcee, another was the musical director (Karl) with assistant musical directors taking over when needed… all seamlessly.
What other examples do you have of teams operating as a model community?
P.S. If you live in London and want to see the remarkable Yale Alley Cats, they’re performing again this Friday 630pm at the Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square London SW1X 9BZ. Tickets here.
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Getting teamwork right is a perpetual challenge... but these guys demonstrate a potent way to do so... respecting tradition yet bringing their own energy and doing their own versions...
away from the mobile, just the magic of theirs voices, smiles, and joys, wonderful time
And a lovely setting, good food, great wine and terrific company
Getting teamwork right is a perpetual challenge... but these guys demonstrate a potent way to do so... respecting tradition yet bringing their own energy and doing their own versions...