I have only once stood for elected office. You're my sun when the clouds roll through. When I fall short, I let love do the rest. Get it wrong and you’ll destroy the confidence of the humble, whilst enhancing the self-esteem of the arrogant. They need to be taken down a peg or two to be exposed to a little proportion and perspective. But you’ll also encounter colleagues who are too conscious of their own talent and too disrespectful of the contribution of others. You’ll find colleagues with low self-worth who constantly need to be boosted and buoyed up. One of the challenges for a leader is to distinguish between these two modes and to apply them appropriately. Other times and individuals require humility, introspection and self-examination. Some occasions and some people need support, encouragement and reassurance. And so I too joined in.Īfterwards I was quite struck by the difference in sentiment between the singalongs at these two gigs: one was an exhortation to self-confidence the other an act of contrition.īoth sentiments are relevant in life and work. Raised as a Catholic, I’ve always been comfortable with doubt, guilt and regret. ‘What did I do? What did I do? What did I do?’ He had the whole of Koko’s Camden swaying in unison with arms held aloft. Then I took all my things and set you free.īut I didn't give you nothing but misery.Īt Fields’ invitation, the crowd joined him in a mournful repetition of the key refrain. 'I took all the love that you gave to me, He begged and beseeched, sobbed and swooned, and occasionally performed a dramatic spin on the spot.įields’ exercise in audience participation came with his song ‘What Did I Do?’ - a sorrowful confession of a man’s responsibility for the demise of a relationship. A diminutive figure with a sparkly blue jacket and a winning smile, he channelled Stax and gospel James Brown, Percy Sledge and Bobby Womack. Born in North Carolina in 1950, Fields is one of the last soul survivors, a representative of an era of soaring vocals, sweet harmonies and deeply felt emotions. The second gig featured Lee Fields, a veteran R&B singer. ‘When I was growing up, this would have been considered a sin.’ I’m old and not inclined to participation. ‘I love myself! I love myself! I love myself!’ The audience duly complied and the whole hall swayed to the euphoric conclusion to the set. ‘So for this final number I want everyone to put their hands in the air and sing along with us: ‘I love myself.’’ This thought met with nodding approval from the people sitting near me. And we owe it to ourselves to engage in a little self-care.‘ He paused and played a couple of chords in a minor key. I know we’ve been through some hard times together.’ ‘I’d just like to thank you all for joining us on our journey this evening. Very impressive all round.Īs the concert drew to a close, the bandleader addressed the audience from behind his keyboards. Abstract melodies, elusive rhythms and virtuoso playing. The first featured a progressive young jazz act.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |