What does “on the same page” really mean?
A  lesson from the orchestra.

In business, this phrase is tossed around a lot: “Let’s get everyone on the same page.” I’ve been known to use it myself from time to time. But what does it mean? More importantly, does it matter?

Yesterday, I had the privilege of singing a first orchestra rehearsal for a pops concert I’ll be performing over the next few days, and I was reminded of the importance of being on the same page. Further, I recognized that the mechanisms we use to stay on the same page are critical – in rehearsal and in business.

It’s an amazing experience to take part in a first orchestra rehearsal. Three other singers and I were meeting the 70+ players for the first time: string, woodwind, brass and percussion players, plus stage managers, sound and light crew and others. It is a marvel of execution when all the pieces come together. But just as in companies, if communication breaks down, chaos ensues.

In rehearsal, singers, players and conductor all have to speak the same language. This language combines Italian musical terms and location markers within the music: “Violins, two before letter D, I need more arco.” “Horns, tacit from 83 to 85.” “Four before the key change at letter C, it’s a rapid accelerando into the new tempo—I need you to be with me.” “At four before the coda, I will subdivide and then we’re a tempo again at bar 64.”

Even though no two parts are the same – e.g. the cello part looks MUCH different from the oboe part – the framework of the written music brings everyone to the same spot. In the conductor’s score, all the parts converge so he can see the whole picture, yet each player only sees her own part. Without the common framework the sound of the orchestra is cacophonous!

Companies are much the same. Employees need to have a common framework that everyone can refer to. They don’t have to be able to see the details of what other employees are doing, but they need to be on the same page with each other and the leader so the whole organization is harmonized.

Do you have a simple, common framework that enhances communication inside your organization? Have you boiled down your focus to the few critical elements that everyone has to understand? When you do, you’ll begin to witness the harmony that results from everyone being—and staying—on the same page.

By Andrew Ranson