Jacob Collier explains that beautiful music relies on controlling dissonance (tension), not just playing pleasant notes (consonance). This applies to teams: leaning into creative tension and resolving it leads to a more meaningful outcome than avoiding disagreement altogether.
Instead of shutting down disruptive individuals, musician Jacob Collier disarms them by 'radically incorporating' their outburst. By making the entire group repeat the heckler's idea, he validates them, dissolves their disruptive power, and brings them back into the collective.
The 'Wiggle Theory' suggests we are born with a natural, playful 'wiggle' that gets suppressed by the rigid structures of adulthood. Music and other creative acts give people permission to rediscover this innate, non-linear state, unlocking essential emotional channels.
Jacob Collier builds trust by arranging well-known songs. This allows him to play with the audience's existing expectations, demonstrating creativity within a familiar framework. This strategy establishes credibility before asking an audience to engage with entirely new material.
Collier's audience choirs are a leadership model inspired by his conductor mother. The core principle is not musical skill, but 'mass permissioning'—creating a safe environment where a large group feels empowered to participate, fostering inclusivity and shared joy.
Musician Jacob Collier evaluates groups on a 'supple vs. brittle' axis. Supple groups adapt to unexpected events, while brittle ones resist and snap under pressure. Leaders must create psychological safety that enables teams to embrace spontaneity rather than tightening up.
Jacob Collier distinguishes joy from mere happiness. He defines joy as a 'defiant act' of feeling vital and alive, even amid chaos. It's not about ignoring negative experiences but incorporating the full spectrum of life, which is a powerful way to connect with purpose.