Leadership
These last few months, I have been struggling with the concept of leadership. The tragedy shootings at a grocery store in my hometown of Buffalo, New York and at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas just a week later last spring left me wordless and desperate for a leader to look to for inspiration and guidance. I was moved by the community members who rose to the occasion at each scene and found myself wondering if I would have the wherewithal to be so brave, so gracious, and so efficacious and find strength to lift those around me.
As a teacher, hungry eyes stare at me with expectation, and the mornings after each of these events, I addressed them with my students but felt feeble. Our discussions felt empty and fruitless, and I blamed myself for not having the right phrases at the tip of my lips. I fumbled and have spent a lot of the last few months wrestling with myself about a better approach.
In combing through some old writing, I found this piece I had written shortly after the pandemic begin - another time I was in search of leadership. It reminded me of qualities to be highlighted and shed a light in dark corners I had forgotten existed.
Leadership
Leadership knows her place at the helm. She always dressed impeccably to start the day when we often see her in a well-tailored suit; she is ever appropriate for her command post but never aloof or misanthropic. She accessorizes beautifully with carefully chosen jewelry, scarves, and a jacket. Her colors are vibrant, and her shoes balance comfort, style, and professionalism. She doesn’t wear perfume, and her hair is always in a natural style, framing her face perfectly. She’s poised to welcome her charges with a smile. She’s approachable and receptive to others, but she is stern when she needs to be, and for that, she is respected.
Leadership leaves her office door open and welcomes Teamwork, but she safeguards Confidentiality well. Her walls, decorated by Positivity and Motivation, flaunt encouraging adages and mantras written by Hope and Inspiration. Leadership believes in all the words showcased in her environment; she lives those maxims out loud. She works hard to establish an uplifting and communal tone. Above all, she walks the walk, and for that, she is revered.
Although she’s a distant cousin to Power, Leadership doesn’t browbeat. She actually prefers to follow Empowerment’s lineage. She is not terribly fond of Coercion and takes serious issue with Oppression. Their tactics aren’t her style at all. She maintains strong friendships with Compassion and Kindness and often turns to them for advice. Most of the time, Empathy is Leadership’s closest ally. Together, they sort through situations and find the greatest solutions for all involved. It’s a sight to see when you catch her smiling at Naivete; she gets eye to eye with him and warmly embraces him for all he has to offer. Then she nourishes him and helps him grow. Leadership beams proudly and knows her greatest successes are in her charges’ accomplishments. For that, she is loved.
Understandably, it’s easy for Leadership to get overwhelmed. She has strong shoulders, but she is not immune to burdens. Therefore, Leadership values self-care; it’s not an indulgence but a necessity so that she can maintain her enthusiasm and vitality. It’s in these moments, you’ll find her arm in arm with Whimsy; they sway together, barefoot, to Miles Davis, on the patio in the moonlight, bubbles of laughter ebbing and flowing between them. She’s known to get lost in the sagacity of Thomas Jefferson or revel in the poetry of William Carlos Williams. She sets her boundaries firmly, not to renounce the world around her but just to disconnect for a while and recharge, and for that, she is admired.
Strength and Resilience help Leadership reflect, especially in the evenings when those stylish shoes have been kicked aside and the silk scarf left draped over a chair. Together, they relax and chat with a glass (a bottle – who are we kidding?) of decadent red wine and some Dove dark chocolate Promises, the ones with the little quotes written inside the wrapper. Leadership reads every one, ponders them, and even saves some of the more poignant quotes that resonate with her. She’ll use them later in an email she’ll send. For that, she is appreciated.
Leadership enjoys so many avenues of life; through her vast experiences, she’s met and been molded by her mentors, Wisdom, Patience, and Humility. She listens more than she speaks, she acknowledges the good in everyone around her, and most important, she honors our flaws to help us learn the most and be best versions of ourselves. For her, we are ever grateful.
