The painter Cezanne wrote, “When paintings are done right, harmony appears by itself. The more numerous and varied they are, the more the effect is obtained and agreeable to the eye”.

Harmony is an arrangement of the elements or parts of the whole that creates a strong positive aesthetic reaction in us. All the elements seem to work together to create a pleasing order.

Art and music provide obvious examples of harmony that is not only a sense of connection, rather those connections appear to be dictated by a sense of order and belonging – the elements combine in very specific ways – to create a pattern of tension and resolution. You cannot simply throw any random elements together and expect to get harmony.

In career terms, harmony involves understanding connection, knowing how and when to join in. It involves timing and rhythm. It involves feeling part of something bigger but at the same time remaining a distinctive element in that bigger thing. Harmony is about both blending in and standing out; it is not about subjugating your voice, rather adding your voice.

Listening carefully, observing, appreciating that you are distinctive and bring unique qualities to work: this requires acceptance of both your strengths and limitations. It requires respect and close observation of others and nature to understand as much as possible how things go together and how to spot opportunities where the addition of your contribution will create harmony.

You can’t do harmony on your own. What I mean by this is not that you need other people to achieve harmony necessarily (but often this is where the most obvious or accessible harmony can be found) rather, whether it is communing with nature, or meditating, harmony necessarily involves the blending of yourself into something greater, something bigger.

Harmony requires stillness, reflection and listening to our inner voice. People can vary in how they achieve this, whether it is “me time”, time out, a retreat, meditation, a walk in nature, a trip to the beach, a gym class or workout, worship or a soak in a bath.

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There has been a lot of commentary and speculation recently about whether we are in the midst of a big reappraisal of our relationship with work, and whether or not we will see people changing or leaving their jobs in large numbers. Although I am somewhat sceptical of the more fanciful claims, I think it is the case that when we discover time in our busy lives to listen to that inner voice – such as during end of year holiday periods – or perhaps while experiencing enforced lockdowns, the relative quiet may allow that inner voice to be heard a little more clearly.

Feeling in-tune, and a part of something bigger and meaningful that transcends our own limitations can bring with it a sense of belonging, connection and satisfaction. It is worth reflecting on, and now is not a bad time to commence building our own work of art.

Jim Bright, FAPS is Professor of Career Education and Development at ACU and owns Bright and Associates, a Career Management Consultancy. Email to opinion@jimbright.com. Follow him on Twitter @DrJimBright