Today is Michael Jackson’s birthday, and it has been three years since his death, but the day I remember most is May 16, 1983. That was the day that my love of all things Michael Jackson began. It was the day that the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever aired on NBC and although there were soul and R&B music legends that delivered memorable performances during that special, that night was all about Michael! I waited up all night (I’m sure it wasn’t late, but I was still young enough to have a bedtime) at the foot of my parents’ bed looking at their 13’ television screen waiting for Michael to perform. Then it happened… kick, snare, kick, snare, kick, snare, kick, snare followed by the infamous “Billie Jean” bass-line. In that moment like millions of people around the world I witnessed Michael Jackson transform into the “King of Pop!”

Michael’s life “after the moonwalk” was filled with the highest highs as he is recognized today by Guinness as being the most successful entertainer of all time. Who doesn’t remember watching the Michael Jackson, “Thriller” video for the first time?! You are a true MJ fan if you were ever (or still are) equipped with a leather jacket and white glitter glove (one of course), and white glitter socks! He also experienced the lowest lows as his life was the source of constant scrutiny and controversy due to among several things his ever changing physical appearance and allegations of sexual abuse against children.

None of that could overshadow the excitement felt by the crowd in London at the O2 Arena on March 5, 2009 when Michael announced that he would begin his final concert tour, “This Is It” scheduled for July of that year. That excitement was soon replaced by mourning with the death of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009… But, all was not lost! Michael Jackson left a musical legacy that will live forever, and in addition to sharing some of his final performances he also provided us with a glimpse of himself as a visionary leader in the behind-the-scenes documentary, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It.”

Here are a few leadership tips that we can learn from Michael and all of the industry artists, performers, and professionals that contributed to “This Is It:”

MJ Visionary Tip #1 – “It Begins on YOUR Command”
The opening scene of “This Is It” shows a camera panning over a body suit made from screens illuminated with various images and you can hear Kenny Ortega, the Director say, “It begins on Michael’s command,” and suddenly MJ appears accompanied by the funky bass of “Wanna Be Starting Something.”

As the CEO of your vision, it is important to know that “it begins on YOUR command.” Your vision is within you, and you are the only person that can access it. Once you do, you will attract others who will partner with you to lend their creativity, talent, and resources to your vision until what you see in your mind’s eye becomes your reality.

MJ Visionary Tip #2 – “Make The Rehearsals of Your Life Worthy of Center Stage”
As I was halfway through watching “This Is It” for the first time, I forgot that this movie was pieced together footage of Michael’s rehearsals, as I consumed the music with the same enthusiasm as I would have as a ticket holder at the O2 Arena. If anyone had the right to “rest on their laurels” and expect the achievements of their past to provide them privilege in their future it was Michael Jackson! But, with over four decades of performing, Michael approached each opportunity to rehearse in this private setting with the same amount of energy as he did in front of live studio audience and during his concerts.

It is so important that as you live your dream that you keep doing the things privately that earned you the recognition and accolades publically. Your credibility is built and sustained on how you perform when you think no one is watching. Make the rehearsals of your life worthy of center stage because inevitably your private moments become your greatest public achievement.

MJ Visionary Tip #3 – Know When It’s Someone Else’s “Time To Shine”
Who can forget the young, beautiful, and extremely talented lead guitarist Orianthi Panagaris as she was encouraged by Michael to hit the high notes at the end of “Black or White” Michael patiently encouraged her to take her key up another octave as this was the highlight of this song, and it was her “time to shine.”

Michael taught us the importance of sharing the stage with and providing opportunities for those that are “up and coming.” Before “This Is It,” I didn’t have the privilege of being exposed to Orianthi’s music. Not only have I been introduced to a great artist, but she has also encouraged my daughter to have a love for guitar. Identifying talent in others, using your influence to provide them with an opportunity to product, and providing coaching to them along the way is what makes a visionary a legend. Know when it’s someone else’s time to shine!

MJ Visionary Tip #4 – Know Your Music
Consistently throughout the film, everyone from the music and film directors, musicians and choreographers commented about how hands on and involved Michael was in every aspect of the production of “This Is It.” Michael Bearden, the Musical Director and MJ have one of the most memorable scenes together as they collaborate on refining the tempo of “The Way You Make Me Feel.” When asked by Bearden about his preferred sound, MJ stated, “I want it the way I wrote it, the way the audience hears it.”

You have drafted your vision and you have decided about the contribution that you want to make to your family, community, to the nation, and the world. Know what you value, what you stand for, and who you are. When you know your music others will have difficulty “changing your key.”

MJ Visionary Tip #5 – With L.O.V.E.
Michael demonstrated true leadership throughout this film as there were several times when he had to provide direction to the team. Whether it was instructing the musicians to “let it simmer” teaching the director how to “simmer” or providing correction to the sound technicians he did so with L.O.V.E.

Don’t be afraid to provide correction to those who are on your team. Failure to do so will compromise and dilute your vision. Your vision is too important not to, so when you must do it with LOVE.