A djembe is a like small trampoline for your hands. It has its own power and resource of energy to do a lot of the work for you. When your hands are relaxed and you let them fall, their bounce helps to lift your hands to play a second beat – effortlessly. The process of eliminating excessive effort in playing develops over time and with practice. A sense of trust is required when you let the hands fall without worrying about how or where they land on the drum. Often beginners to djembe have a tendency to ‘hold on’ and control their hands, creating tension as they make a strike on the drum. Learning to release tension and developing trust in your hands will result in navigation from one point in a rhythm to another with little physical effort.

With this approach, I try to apply what I have learnt from practising djembe technique to other areas of my work.

As a drumming facilitator, part of my role is instructing others in technique and rhythms. How I deliver those instructions matters.

For example, when I teach drumming to very young children, I find their ability to play is increased when I give fewer instructions.  Quite simply I try and talk less; tune in to their childhood excitement of drums and then pass out simple instructions – just a few at any given time. I find we get the same result as when I give out more instructions but with less tension and more fun for everyone involved.

Equally, when I’m in a situation where I’m training or supervising someone in my team, I am aware of the dangers of micro-management – overloading someone with instructions. I have learnt over the years to trust my colleagues more and allow them to find their own methods and solutions. Colleagues, like children in a class, will learn best by doing some things by themselves with my support.

Have you ever found some things in your work or life that seem to become more difficult the more you try?  And that when you go back to something you find a simple solution which seems easy and effortless. And that this less-effort approach is better for your well-being and for the well-being of those around you?

What about your experience of teaching or managing others? We would love to hear from you if you would like to discuss this topic further. And perhaps at your next Staff Leadership or Team Development Day, the group drumming activity could provide a powerful reminder to trust yourself and your team!

Visit our contact page if you would like to talk to us.