Contents
On 8 December 2024, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour ended in Vancouver. It had begun on 17 March 2023 in Glendale, Arizona, and comprised 149 concerts in 51 cities and 21 countries. Shortly after the finale, People magazine reported on large bonus payments to the crew. On top of that came donations to food banks in the tour cities. The example illustrates the Quality of Generosity: a leader passes on what they receive.
A success with many hands
Situation
The Eras Tour is considered the highest-grossing concert tour in history. It was the first to pass the mark of two billion dollars. Around 10.1 million people attended the concerts. About 90 trucks transported the equipment.
Link to the quality
Generosity begins with an honest look at your own success. Nobody achieves great things alone. Leaders who acknowledge this see success as a shared return and not as personal property.
The truck drivers
Situation
According to reports, the tour’s truck drivers each received a bonus of 100,000 dollars in 2023. In addition, there were handwritten thank-you letters. The head of a trucking company told the broadcaster CNN that the payment was changing the lives of his drivers.
Link to the quality
Generosity has the greatest effect when it reaches those who rarely stand in the spotlight. The personal letter also shows: appreciation needs more than money. Leaders should express thanks concretely and personally.
Bonuses for the whole crew
Situation
According to People, the bonuses over the entire tour added up to around 197 million dollars. They were paid on top of salaries. According to reports, those included were, among others, caterers, technicians, dancers, band members, security staff, make-up artists and physiotherapists.
Link to the quality
Here generosity joins with the Law of Addition. Those who include every area are saying: every job counts. That strengthens a team’s loyalty more than any speech. Leaders can do this on a small scale, for example with bonuses, praise or development opportunities.
Donations in the tour cities
Situation
According to reports, Swift donated to food banks and aid organisations in almost every tour city. One example is the Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans. There the donation funded 75,000 meals.
Link to the quality
Generous leadership does not end at the boundary of your own organisation. Those who benefit from a place can give something back to it. Leaders should make generosity a habit and not wait for the one big occasion.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
- Acknowledge how many people contribute to your success.
- Share success also with those who work in the background.
- Combine every recognition with a personal thank-you.
- Include all areas of your team, not just the visible ones.
- Give something back to the environment you work in.
Summary
According to reports, Taylor Swift shared the proceeds of her tour with her crew to an unusual extent. She combined the money with personal thanks and additionally supported local food banks. The Quality of Generosity shows in treating success as a shared achievement. That is possible on any scale.
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