I’m not particularly “cool.” And, when I say not particularly, I mean not at all. Hence, I was probably one of the few people not very familiar with singer/songwriter/entrepreneur/humanitarian…and leader, Sarah McLachlan.
Yes, of course I’d heard of Lilith Fair. However, I didn’t know anything more about it than that it was a massively-successful, all-women musical tour. (Refer back to first sentence.)
In 1997 Sarah founded Lilith Fair in response to the sexist world of radio and concert promotion that would not feature two female artists in a row. Why not, I don’t know. But in our often strange world it takes a pioneer; a leader to break through and set things right.
First, she booked a successful tour with fellow singer/songwriter, Paula Cole. Then, she launched Lilith Fair which turned out to be hugely successful both creatively and financially.
The vision and the guts to lead the field into unchartered territory, directly bucking the establishment is a great example of leadership right there…but let’s look at something else.
Stumbling upon the below video during a YouTube musical journey, I came to understand her magic and why she is so loved by everyone.
Take a look at this video from one of the latter Lilith Fair performances; this in 2010. She has just called the participants from that evening’s event to join her onstage. Based on many of the posts and interviews we’ve featured on this blog, what do you notice as some of her impressive leadership qualities?
Here’s what I saw:
- It wasn’t about her. Yes, she was the promoter. Yet, like the great leaders we study, she took the spotlight off of herself and placed it upon the others.
- They felt welcome. Sarah greeted everyone as though they were the most important person in the world to her. She most likely created that environment from the very beginning of her communication with them.
- She made the little girl feel special. My apologies; I don’t know who the adorable little girl onstage is or the context for her being there. However, I can only imagine that being onstage in front of all those people and with those luminaries — at that age — could be a bit intimidating. However, Sarah danced and sang with her, allowing her to feel totally comfortable.
- Acknowledgement of the audience. When she thanked the audience and advised them to drive home carefully…I got the feeling she really did care.
- Inclusivity. Perhaps more than anything else what came through for me was the energy of inclusivity that she inspired.
These five points alone can increase the effectiveness of any team or business, large or small.
So, Sarah has definitely joined my list of leadership heroes. What lessons have you taken from our brief look at this musical icon?
And, is there someone you know (or know of) who has done something similar within their own field of expertise?
Enjoy this post? Receive an update when our next post is published by entering your best email address below and clicking Get Updates.
LOVE this post, the video and the lessons.
It also occurs to me (and this may well be a “what comes first, the egg or the chicken” observation) that what we see in the video is unbridled FUN and JOY.
It’s hard for me determine if it’s the environment that Sarah has created that lets the FUN and JOY phenomena bloom, or if it’s the always present, internal FUN and JOY that drives each of those musicians…including the band members…to share their passion with the world.
And, of course, make no mistake about it, the audience plays a HUGE role in creating the “vibe” that comes through.
Even though it’s five years later.
And even though it’s just a video.
But, with all that said, who cares?
It is ALL good!
Phil: Thank you. And, I certainly agree with you on all the aspects you mentioned. These are all amazingly talented artists who truly bring joy and passion to what they do. And, along with an enthusiastic audience, it’s a fantastic combination. My feeling is that – while anyone from any position can lead – ultimately, a culture of leadership begins at the top, and the leader creates an environment which either brings out the fullest potential of joy, talent, etc. that there is…or, as we’ve seen (and perhaps personally experienced) in other organizations, snuffed the enthusiasm and team-feeling right out of them. I love what you suggested and I’d be interested to hear the thoughts and opinions of others on this, as well.
Bob, you see wisdom in what others would just see as great music. Leadership isn’t a title but the qualities one has. My favorite: It wasn’t about her.
Thanks for another terrific post and looking forward to the next one!
Joyce, thank you for your very kind compliment. Much appreciated! And, yes, that was my favorite part, too. She communicated that throughout the video, didn’t she?
Bob, just coming home from your’s and Kathy’s Go Giver Speaker Certification, in Orlando, I see similarities in your leadership.
1. It wasn’t about y’all. You put each speaker in the spot light in a kind way.
2. You made each and everyone of us, feel and know we were welcomed.
3. You made the child in each of us, feel special.
4. You gracefully acknowledged and built on the audiences feed back.
5. The spirit of inclusivity permeated the entire three day event.
I came away better than I arrived. Thank you for caring and sharing like you do.
You and Kathy are living examples of what you teach.
Amy, WOW – thank you for that very kind and terrific feedback. So very honored to know you found those kinds of similarities. I take that as a great compliment. It was a delight to have you with us at the event!
Hi Bob,
Love your post and Sarah’s message too. I know her from those animal commercials. Is it PETA? Not sure. Anyway, she comes through as being tremendously compassionate, caring, heartfelt and loving in dealing with all sentient beings. You really can’t fake that. You can try, but either you do things from the heart and people feel it or you do not. You and she, both of you are heartfelt, caring leaders. What a fabulous post. Thanks much for sharing with us Bob.
Ryan
Ryan, thank you. Greatly appreciate your kind feedback. So glad you enjoyed the post. And, I’m not familiar with her animal commercials, but that doesn’t surprise me. And, knowing about that causes me to like and respect her even more, if that’s even possible! 🙂