Jazz vs. Symphony—A TED Animation

In business, people have often seen an orchestra's conductor as a compelling model for leadership. But in today’s evolving landscape, a better model might be the nuanced leadership style of a jazz band. More Duke Ellington than Leopold Stokowski.

BCG’s former CEO John Clarkeson suggests that great leaders rely less on staying inside the lines and more on collaboration and creativity. They encourage individuals to take risks and discover something new. The result? An organization that can improvise, in which every player is led by both the needs of the group and the leader’s subtle direction.