HARMONY AT WORK

A metaphorically musical journey through work relationships.

Spero, an organizational consultant with almost 40 years’ experience, advances the idea that harmonious interactions with co-workers can be compared to aspects of musical composition. Work relationships, writes Spero, “become more interesting when we have the skills to vary their tempo, volume, and structure,” even though “we may have no idea why it is so easy to make beautiful music with some people, and why other interactions may sound so out of tune.” This metaphor is carried throughout the book, both in structure (with an “Overture” and six “Stages”) and in content (Stage 1 is “Auditions,” Stage 2 is “First Notes,” and so on). The author also makes liberal use of linguistic flourishes whenever she can, incorporating musical lingo into the book’s many examples and her own wise counsel. To some readers, the heavy reliance on the metaphor may feel gimmicky, but she does make a convincing case that working in harmony with co-workers, and all it implies, is legitimately analogous to performing in an orchestra or singing in a choir. Spero takes a deep dive into work-relationship dynamics, exploring such vital subjects as dealing with different types of personalities, understanding nonverbal cues, making commitments, navigating team clashes, setting boundaries, and distinguishing between compromise and collaboration. The book’s stages are logically organized, with numerous relevant examples rendered in clear, engaging prose. Each stage opens with a fictional scene in which four friends discuss co-worker relationships—a solid technique that integrates nicely with the content. One of the book’s strongest elements is “Rehearsals,” a closing section appended to the end of every stage that offers immersive exercises with which readers may apply the lessons learned. For example, the exercises for Stage 4, “Clashing Chords,” include planning for “how to react to your first speed bump,” answering pointed questions about “a relationship that started out strong but has become increasingly annoying,” and learning how to reckon with “your level of impatience.”

A refreshingly creative examination of how to work well with others.