The Art of Leadership: What Leonard Cohen’s Back-Up Singers Teach Us

“Back-up Singers.”

Such a lacking title for people who play a vital instrument for the listener–and, more so, the artists they back.

A better title would be, “Vocal Intensifier.” (Not nearly as fun to say though.)

I’m listening to “Leonard Cohen: Live In London” now as I write. 

(He’s the guy who wrote “Hallelujah,” made famous by Jeff Buckley in 1994, and, oddly, every American Idol contestant since the show’s inception.)

Back-up singers typically stand behind, or to the side, of the singer. 

Featured, but not “out-front.”

Well, if you listen to “Leonard Cohen: Live in London,” you’ll hear a different story. 

He praises the singers for their contribution on almost every song. (“Sharon Robinson and I wrote this song together years ago…” “Hattie and Charley, the sublime ‘Webb Sisters’.”) And introduces each instrumental soloist at the precise moment they have stunned the audience (”Neil Larsen on the Hammond B3.”), so they could soak up their well-earned applause.

What you’ll hear in Cohen’s performance (beyond an artist at his peak), is… 

A leader in action.

Being a leader requires humble execution. 

Anyone running a business (including freelancers) would benefit greatly from this approach.

There is no “you” without “them.”

It’s true, by the way. 

If you’re fortunate enough to find truly good people who adopt your mission as their own… well then, nothing can stop you,

These are the people who take the ride with you.

It will not always be pretty. 

Yet, if they believe in you–and your vision–they will have your back, no matter what. 

If all this sounds and feels beyond your needs at the moment, there will come a day… and it’s never too soon to practice being a leader. 

You can start by simply paying attention to the words you use….

Are they positive or negative?

Do they lift others or tear them down?

Are they considerate or condescending?

And note the words other people use through the same filter. 

Most people speak words by default; spewing forth the first, unoriginal thought that comes to mind, with no regard for the listener. They rarely show curiosity, or ask deep questions. Just knee-jerk reacting to the world around them as if they have no control over their thoughts. 

As you and I both know very well, though, words matter – a lot. 

Copywriters are leaders. 

We lead our readers to a place they’ve never been, and hopefully, never want to leave once they arrive. 

To do that, whether for ourselves or our clients (who are often leaders in their fields)…

We must practice leadership by design.

Being, and speaking, mindfully, considerately, and honestly… will improve your life in countless ways. 

Because it isn’t just the words we use, it’s the intention behind them.

The Webb sisters toured and recorded with Leonard Cohen since 2008… Sharon Robinson began writing and performing with Cohen in 1979… and remained at his side until his death in 2016.

They didn’t only sing his words, they believed in them. 

If they hadn’t, their voices would not sound so astoundingly beautiful alongside his. 

Another display of “intention of words” you’ll hear in Cohen’s words on “Live In London” are the ones he speaks to the audience.

He doesn’t just tell them “thank you,” he shows them his gratitude by relating to the effort they put into being at his show – and what he intends for their shared experience that night.

“It’s wonderful to be gathered here on just the other side of intimacy,” he says to the audience. “I’m so pleased that you’re here. I know that some of you have undergone financial and geographical inconvenience.”

The audience laughs, and then breaks into a hearty cheer at the acknowledgement. 

They will follow him anywhere in that moment. 

And where he takes them, I’m sure, they never want to leave.