The remarkable results of “cross-functional” involvement

Imagine over 100 musicians playing music together, and yet never meeting face-to-face. Sounds a bit far-fetched, doesn’t it?

“Far-reaching” is a more accurate depiction of the accomplishments of a small film crew that traveled around the world for four years in search of musical inspiration. They found it in the streets and subways, Native American reservations, African towns and villages, up the Himalayan Mountains and beyond. The result, a cross-cultural collaboration on 10 songs that were created by editing together unique vocal tonalities and diverse instrument sounds, as though the artists were all in the same studio, playing from the same sheet music. And yet, they never met. You have to listen to the album — and then listen again and again — to find the hidden riches of the sounds that make Playing for Change so unique.

This album is inspirational. It’s an example of what’s possible beyond the impossible. It demonstrates the power of bringing together diverse, cross-functional people and the event-changing effects that can be realized.

How can this musical accomplishment inspire you and your work? How might a cross-functional collaboration change the way your team/department/organization sees the challenges that lay ahead?

Give it a listen. See what comes of it.

Thanks for being involved today.

Tim