Leadership has a rhythm.
Leadership rhythm occurs when the pulse of a team beats in concert, a meeting clicks on all cylinders, or collaboration engaging diverse perspectives, thoughts, and experiences results in immeasurable outcomes.
Moving in harmony and rhythm with others enables us to achieve more than expected.
Before knowing the term “leadership” or any aspects of working with and through others, I experienced the power of rhythm.
Shape-Note Singing Roots
Growing up in the Deep South of the U.S., shape-note singing —a form of a cappella music involving four-part harmony—treble, alto, tenor, and bass—became a part of my DNA. According to Ben Sandmel in 64 Parishes, Shape-note music originated in New England in the 1700s – 1800s. It spread to Black and White congregations in the South in the early 1800s.
While the Black communities often did not have formal tune books like The Sacred Harp, they informally learned the shape notes or adapted the music by ear, engaging with the four-part harmony traditions and integrating call-and-response and improvisational elements found in West African musical practices.
Often at the beginning of a song, the leader calls out the notes, and the singers respond in each part to lock in the pitch and harmony.
Please click here to experience shape-note singing of the Solomon Union Singing Convention (and in particular, my Dad).
How Does Shape Note Singing Relate to Leadership?
Looking back over the experiences I gained in learning and singing shape notes with my elders, below are some lessons to pull through to today:
Attunement.
Just as the leader of a shape-note song tunes into the singers, a rhythmic leader tunes into their team, environment, and the emotional feelings in the room. A leader who is in tune with their strengths, limitations, and the perceptions others have of their interactions can sense when to push, when to pause, and when to elevate others.
Tempo Setting.
Leaders set the tempo – they are the metronome for the team. They set the pace neither too fast to burn out nor too slow to stall momentum. These leaders are aware of the importance of strategic pacing, timing, and energy management. They know when to accelerate innovation or decelerate to afford reflection.
Consistency and Flexibility.
Rhythm requires a steady beat, yet great music includes improvisation. It is likewise with leadership. It’s necessary to build structure and integrate habits, yet it’s equally essential to allow room for fluidity and creative detours, while staying grounded during change. At the core, stability in values while remaining agile in methods is crucial.
Call and Response.
When engaging in call-and-response, a leader promotes inclusion. There are empowering two-way conversations, opportunities to offer mutually exchanged feedback, and an appreciation of every voice as they value uniqueness. The leader engages the team in co-creating a vision and culture, rather than imposing it on them.
Interruption and Innovation.
As with shape-note music, there is margin to break away from expected patterns and tonalities, allowing for the addition of one’s spin and style, as long as it fits within the overall musical mosaic. Leaders with rhythm embrace unexpected shifts, lead disruptive innovation, and inspire creative thinking. You dare to disrupt the status quo while holding to the essentials.
Harmony and Ensemble Leadership.
When attending state-level shape-note singing conventions, no one leader would lead every song. Instead, there was harmony amongst the diverse group of people. Even those who were not in the trebles (highest-pitched musical range) led songs that aligned with their musical pitch. Likewise, leaders who fully engage their team members facilitate collaboration, trust others to carry the beat, and elevate the collective strengths of the team over the talent of an individual. These leaders orchestrate high-performing teams where leadership rotates, as needed, and talent rises to meet the collective needs.
Full Presence.
A leader with rhythm is emotionally intelligent, present, grounded, and authentic. They read the room, self-manage, command presence without dominating, and lead from the head and heart. Just like the leader of a shape-note song, leaders who have rhythm show up whole, real, and aligned. Others see, feel, and experience their full presence.
A Call to Action
We have the opportunity to set the tempo for our leadership collectively. Let’s remain attuned to people, purpose, and pace in a world that demands agility, authenticity, and action.
Is your organization elevating its leadership rhythm? Let us work with you to prepare your leaders to create and sustain highly engaged teams. Feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.
Sandmel, B. (n.d.). Shape note singing. 64 Parishes. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://64parishes.org/entry/shape-note-singing
Lillian Davenport, SPHR, SHRM – SCP, MGSCC, Principal, End View LeadershipSM
