Toyota Drums out Differences

Employees at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A are drumming their way to a common bond and cooperation. Over the past three years, more than 3,000 Toyota employees have visited the automaker's training center (University of Toyota) in Torrance, California, to participate in drum circles. Typically in groups of 15 to 50 from one department, employees begin bangnig on one of the 150 percussion instruments available in the drum room. Few have played a percussion instrument before, so the first attempt rarely is worth recording.

"At first it sounds pretty terrible, with everyone competing to be the loudest," admits Ron Johnson, Toyota's resident drum guru and a training center manager in Torrance. But most groups soon find a common beat without any guidance or conductor. Johnson recalls his first drum circle experience: "I'll never forget the spirit that came alive inside me. In a matter of moments, perfect strangers came together in synchronistic rhythm to share a common vision." By the end of the hourlong event most groups have formed a special bond that apparently increases their cooperation and sense of unity when they return to their jobs.