Listening to music can generate powerful reactions and emotions. Instantly when we hear a particular song, we’re transported to another time and place in our lives – sometimes we wax nostaligically about those times while it may also remind us of a time we were struggling with an event or a broken heart. I’ve always been fascinated with the power of music in the workplace. There were times when I worked inside that I would ask co-workers what type of music they’d like me to bring in that week for us to enjoy. Sometimes it was Johnny Cash or the O’Jays, but whoever it was we listened to the mood of the office shifted significantly; I could “see” how the music changed the moods of my co-workers – a boost to their mood, a kick in their step or sometimes, a somber sadness across their face. Regardless, music helps us feel vibrant and alive, which sure beats feeling numb. So, when you think of how music affects your career, consider your personal Playlist. I encourage you to listen to music that both inspires you and motivates you to aspire to reach greater heights. I’m listening to Coldplays’ “Mylo Xyloto” as I pen this blog and it helps me think clearly and feel connected so I can write something that helps you think, feel and act to get better all the time.
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I was just listening to Cash’s “Won’t Back Down”! Unless something is stuck in my head, I usually try to listen to something upbeat no matter what my mood that I don’t find too distracting. Thinking about ex-girlfriends is bad for productivity lol. Music also helps me not think about things that are on my mind that I don’t want to be worrying about at work.
Music is a perfect way for me to work through diagrams, flow charts and other visuals to help explain a process or a concept. My favorites are My Morning Jacket (Evil Urges) and for a more mellow twist Bon Iver (For Emma, Forever Ago). i saw an article in wsj about using music in morning stand up meetings to gather “everyone ’round” and thought that was perfect! http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204652904577193460472598378.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read
Awesome post, Patrick. A couple related conversations on GovLoop in the past for music ideas:
https://www.govloop.com/group/music/forum/topics/do-you-listen-to-music-at-work
https://www.govloop.com/forum/topics/are-you-streaming-music
I have a playlist titled ‘Awesome’ when I did some extra motivation at work. 🙂