The leadership lessons I learned from attending the legendary James Taylor concert

I showed up to hear the legend and his band. What I received was a message richer than his music.

?My parents saw James Taylor in concert 50 years ago. He has been part of our family woodwork ever since.

?His voice – like a warm fireplace and my favorite slippers.

?His life – could have easily been a tragic figure.

?James Taylor found his voice and his place in the world.

?When did you first hear that voice?

?James Taylor was the second artist/vocalist I felt this way about. I was in fifth grade. (The Jackson Five, with Michael singing ‘ABC’ came first.)

When “You’ve Got a Friend” came over the radio waves inside my mother’s patio home in the desert, I froze.

The song itself, of course, was stellar (written by Carole King)…but that voice. It was sad and soothing and commanding and liberating all at the same time.

I had the chance to see James Taylor in concert this week at the Phoenix Suns Arena and was hungover with love not only for his brilliance as a musician but his composure in telling his story between each number.

These were the leadership lessons I learned from attending the legendary James Taylor concert:

1. Take Care of Yourself

A quick overview: James Taylor was hospitalized for suicidal depression as a teenager and later heavily addicted to drugs (and had to have vocal surgery as a result of issues relating to this), went through rehab several times, and has now been clean and sober for 38 years.

He still attends meetings and strives to make peace every day with his addictive personality.

Music was his salvation, his way to express himself…and we are the grateful benefactors.

He also tours on a regular basis and keeps physically active by riding bike, cross-country skiing, rowing, and (drum roll, please) warms up his voice every day (even when there are no gigs, ahem), citing the “use it or lose it” philosophy and following in the footsteps of his vocal idol, Tony Bennett.

2. Give Your Best - Your Best

JT understands the importance of the ‘giving’ aspect of a musical life and the responsibility it entails.

Before talking about the emotional gifts he showers onto his people (see what I did there?), his shows have always been top-notch experiences with the stage populated with some of the best musicians known to the world of music.

Noting but the best for his fans.

He also takes wonderful care of his bandmates (Some have been with him for over 30 years).

And check this out. On his website, www.jamestaylor.com, he gives free video guitar lessons, so you can see how he does what he does.

3. Know That You Are Enough

The biggest takeaway for the night was the fact that JT is very, very, very?comfy in his own skin. ?

Look, the show had some amazing back video playing but for the most part, the strength of the evening came from a man on a bench with his guitar.

No dancers.

No pyrotechnics.

He very clearly spoke his truth.

And, guess what?

It sounds like he’s speaking when he sings, doesn’t it?

Seriously. He’s speaking his truth to you.

He’s not being anyone he isn’t. And vocally, he understands that one can have lots of impact doing way less than one may think one needs to do.

If it comes from the heart and it’s real, you’re golden.

He rests in the knowledge that he’s enough.

Given his past, James could have easily been a tragic figure. But he found his voice and his place in the world.

His music has rested in my soul for decades, but his story was new to me–and I hope you have found some encouragement from it as well.

Here’s to you, Sweet Baby James…!