Shanty Man: A Secret to Work Culture
Do you like sea shanties? I do, because they unlock a powerful secret to work culture.
They actually serve as an impactful representation of Occupational Folklore. If you're unfamiliar with the concept, it's essentially the cultural expression of shared identity in the workplace consisting of stories, customs, rumors, lore, and things that are passed down from person to person.
Occupational Folklore
Folklore serves as a rich tapestry of cultural expressions that encompass beliefs, traditions, customs, and stories that have been transmitted across generations. It serves as a powerful reflection of the values, experiences, and identity of a community, offering insights into their way of life and worldview. From myths and legends to proverbs and folk songs, folklore encompasses a wide array of creative expressions that connect people to their heritage and provide a sense of continuity with the past.
Through the study of folklore, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experiences and the universal themes that unite us all. Whether exploring the origins of a traditional dance, deciphering the symbolism in a fairy tale, or unraveling the mysteries of a local superstition, folklore invites us to delve into the collective imagination of humanity. By preserving and sharing these cultural expressions, we not only honor the wisdom of our ancestors but also ensure that their legacy continues to inspire and enrich future generations.
What are Sea Shanties?
Sea shanties serve as a melodic expression of sailing culture. Dating back to a time of tall, engineless ships with heavy sails, these sailor work songs served a practical purpose. The strong beat, stalwart rhythms, and call-and-response structure of shanties made them an essential part of a sailor's work (as they were used to synchronize sailors’ efforts to haul ropes and manage the heavy sails).
Shanty Man
The Shanty Man was a leader (usually chosen for his sailing expertise rather than his musical talent) who often chose what songs to sing and led the crew in verse. He (or she, but very rarely back then) would choose songs that had a strong tempo aligned with the task they were working to accomplish or one with a message to boost morale.
The shanties helped strengthen shared identity (an important concept in work culture). Shared identity refers to commonalities or linkages between individuals that define a group. It is often referred to as “we-ness”. Some messages of the sea shanties told of the hardships of the seas or the character of the captain. The songs served as opportunities for the crew to build bonds through shared experiences.
As builders of culture, we should all strive to be our team or company's Shanty Man. When we take it upon ourselves to boost morale, tell tales of shared experiences, create traditions, or even sing about the culture (usually metaphorically) we further encourage the type of culture we want to build.