Taylor Swift’s recently released six-episode docuseries, “The End of an Era,” is more than a look back on the most legendary tour of all time — it’s a masterclass in leadership.
While there are many books, podcasts and articles on leading well, Taylor Swift doesn’t need to give advice on doing so; she simply lives it out. And we don’t hear about great leadership directly from her — instead, it’s shown through countless examples of her kindness shown in the docuseries, proving that strong leadership is her way of life.
So how can today’s leaders embrace this same mindset? Here are a few highlights from “The End of an Era” that show exactly how to lead well.
Remember the details.
In a fast-paced work environment, it can be hard to slow down and remember to ask about people’s lives beyond the office. But doing so is a meaningful way to communicate that employees are more than their work and that you care about who they are as people.
Throughout the docuseries — and her entire life — Swift emphasizes knowing what’s important to her team, from painting a special guitar as a gift for her bandmate’s daughter to making eye contact with her vocalist Kamilah, whose mother had recently passed away, during the song “Marjorie,” a ballad about loss. Remembering and emphasizing what’s important is more than just being kind — it also builds deep trust that allows teams to do great work.
Appreciate your people.
While there are many ways to show your team you care, Swift goes above and beyond at all opportunities. She doesn’t stop at saying thank you — she proves her gratitude through generous bonuses given to her team at the end of each leg of the tour. It’s clear that expressing her appreciation truly matters to Swift.
In the docuseries, she’s excited about “Bonus Day,” where she presents generous bonuses to her dancers and bandmates. But these aren’t just monetary rewards. Taylor handwrites each one with wax-sealed envelopes she made herself. When you go the extra mile to show appreciation, people want to bring their best — because they know it won’t go unnoticed.
Stay humble.
Humility may be the most powerful mark of a leader. When you’re at the top and still notice — and celebrate — those who look up to you, that’s what really shows what kind of leader and person you are. We get an up-close look at Swift’s humility during tour rehearsals, when the team is discussing stage placements before a show.
She praises her dancers’ moves, saying she wants the crowd to see them, not just her, and they adjust their placements accordingly.
Another example is given by Taylor’s backing vocalist Jeslyn, who says Taylor introduced her not as her backup singer but simply said, “We sing together.” She continues, “No one does that.” And we also see this during the song “Bejeweled,” when two of Swift’s dancers perform solo dances during which Swift and the other dancers simply watch in celebration.
Anyone can take the spotlight, but a real leader steps back and lets someone else shine.
At the end of the docuseries, nearly everyone involved with the tour is seen crying or appearing emotional during the last show. What job ends with this level of bittersweet gratitude — grief that it’s ending, but joy that it happened?
The “Eras” tour will forever be remembered not only as beautiful memories for all fortunate enough to experience it but also as a compelling example of leadership and how work can be so much more than a job, with a strong leader paving the way.
Illustration credit: sockagphoto
