Aca-collaborate
Harnessing the power of the team
I won’t lie to you — in the past two weeks, I’ve watched this acapella cover of Bon Iver’s “Woods” an upwards of 20 times.
And I’ll let you know in advance: this entire post is a metaphor. A metaphor for great collaboration which leads to successful products.
So why the aca-metaphor?
From the focused setting to team dynamic, our modern agencies could take a lesson from this 15th century tradition. (That’s right, Pitch Perfect’s producers didn’t invent acapella.)
The first thing you’ll notice here is the environment is free of distraction. The lights are dimmed low, they’re wearing complimentary colors, and their posture says they’re ready. Why? To keep the focus and energy in one direction. Nothing can distract from the mission, nothing else matters. In fact, if a tornado lifted and slammed cars down outside, I’m not even sure they’d hear it.
Nothing can distract from the mission.
This military-like focus can only come with the same starting point. You got it: this means a kickoff meeting* with all members of the team, and solid documentation.
In the past few months, we’ve shifted so that the developer on a project is present from the very first meeting. And frankly, it seems insane that we didn’t do this the whole time. I mean developers are building the masterpiece.
*If you’re taking a sprint approach, this means all members of both teams, with the product owner guiding the conversation on objectives.
Once there’s a shared objective, it should start to become clear where each vocalist (or team member) comes into play. There’s a natural overlap of roles depending on the phase of a project or part of the song. Very few times is it ever one person making forward progress.
The only start to a project is one with shared context and objectives.
The next thing you’ll notice is — cues lead to impeccable harmony.
Throughout the piece, look at how the singers watch one another. None are in a dark corner, gazing aimlessly into the distance. Each waits patiently, taking cues from the other.
For example, take the girl in the green dress at 3:34. With the slightest movement of her lips, she commands the four, five, six other voices to follow. She knows they will not follow unless she leads. The other voices are completely reliant on her decision.
A few moments later though, she’s lost in the sea of sound, undistinguishable; her greatest accomplishment to blend without being noticed.
A great team member knows when to harmonize, and when to lead.
Most vocalists can harmonize if need be. But the key for seamless transitions is precise, calculated timing. As layers of complexity are added, each person keeps an eye on their partner. Whether it’s someone from the same discipline, or someone holding you accountable, always know who to return to.
As the song comes to a close and layers are removed, there’s a natural return to the core singers. In the same way, apply this to the end of a project. When the features, snazzy designs, or layers are stripped away — did you meet the core objectives? Was your focus clear throughout?
When the layers are stripped away, did you meet the core objective?
None of these ideas are new, but it’s helpful to know that our lightening-speed innovations on process are likely rooted in a tradition much older than us. Be that good ol’ singing or something else.
Looking for another aca-example, or perhaps a YouTube rabbit hole? Start with The Staves. The intensity of focus, and the way these sisters take cues from one another is incredible.
