[Harmonic Balancer]
In the previous post (part 2 of this 4 part series), I used the example of a GPS in a NASCAR race car as an example of putting technology for technology’s sake and not getting the benefit from it. Today, in part 3, I am going to talk about a part of a combustion engine that is mostly overlooked but its function makes everything else work smoother and longer and use it as an analogy of how that can apply in relationships and teams
Most modern combustion engines have a harmonic balancer in place. Its function or role is to balance out or absorb the vibrations of the other components. In short, every component in the engine is rotating in some way or fashion, and each works in conjunction with others to produce the power to move the car. Each of those components has its own rotation/function and depending on their rotation speed they create a frequency. These frequencies will produce vibrations and the role of the harmonic balancer is to minimize all those vibrations. How does this apply to other parts of our lives and why am I bringing this up?
On a personal level, most of us have a built-in harmonic balancer. We might not be aware of it. For most of us, it’s subconscious or it has not occurred to us in that way. For example, when we are busy and going full speed ahead with all the daily tasks, which create these frequencies/vibrations which can turn into stress. Each of us has our own way to try to deal with the stress or suppress and minimize it and balance it out. It could be a combination of listening to music with our headphones on, drinking water, coffee, exercise, yoga, taking breaks, meditate to decompress.
Similar to the personal, working on a team where each member has their own frequency and when there are elevated stress and tension, try to counterbalance the vibrations by identifying the source and mentor/coach them through it to repair and keep the team working in concert. Ideally, you can try to have at least one team member who can act as some sort of harmonic balancer. It is one of the effective tools for someone in a leadership role, manager, or team lead.
Next time you are working with a team and the vibration level starts to increase, remember we are all going through some sort of effort and challenge to keep things going. When this vibration starts to increase, try to infuse some harmonic balancing and absorb some of it by figuring out where they are coming from and how to reduce it. And if you need some help to balance out some of your harmonic noise then let another team member know how they can balance out.