Rebelz, Labelz, LEADERZ, Lamez

"It is too common for one to crave the label of leadership or the credit of courage without truly possessing either of the two. My choice is to not condone, comply, nor dignify falsehood of this sort, for it is unfair to those who are true. " —August 4, 2021

I wrote that to myself as a common cashier, not knowing that it would take just a couple years for me to have to put my money where my mouth is. An employer or two later, I found myself wearing the hat of authority, and pretty much the whole crew couldn't stand me.

I can name a couple "bosses" in my past that couldn't earn my respect if their life depended on it, but I'm one thousand percent sure that I'm nothing like those simps. My experiences being in charge at work gave me the opportunity to assess "what makes real" versus "what makes fake", and I penned something official enough to stand the test of time.

(The following writing is from pages of my personal journal; A group of ideas I finalized and titled "Leader By Practice" in November of 2023.)

"Leader By Practice"

When it comes to being a leader, there's levels. Personally, the label is not something I choose to use lightly, for I believe it (better) describes a kind of character as opposed to a kind of role.

Not everyone in a leading role has leader characteristics, and not every BORN leader will be given respectable titles. However, when the time comes for true leaders to delegate, deliberate, and orchestrate, they must have a method to the madness of it all. In this particular season of my life, I've been able to distinguish my own style of captaincy.

First and foremost, a Leader (by practice) can be one of the biggest factors when it comes to the atmosphere of a setting or community. No matter the demands or objectives at hand, a single certain thing must not be forgotten: The people's joy. Without joy, there cannot be harmony. And without harmony, unions and systems crumble. In order for joy to even be probable, we have to acknowledge what I've called the people's "Fair Needs."

Fair Needs?

The space to be yourself: The liberty to be who you truly are.

Room for opinion and expression: Allowance to agree, disagree, question, and appropriately speak your mind.

A balance of liberties: Flexibility with some things in some areas, someway, somewhere.

Passes (Forgiveness): Exemption of consequences, some of the time, on some occasions. You don't have to trip every single time.

It's important to acknowledge that the people I oversee are thinking, feeling human beings and not just vessels of manpower as part of a system. They are not tools, they are fellows. Perhaps the "leaders" that forget this notion are the reason that many authority figures are dreaded. Especially in the workplace, many a supervisor or manager is infamous for being controlling and intimidating—seen as bullies even!

Although bullying would never be my intention, I don't think a bitter, lower ranking person would exempt me from wearing the label. So how can I be certain in my own heart that such is not the case? I had to reflect.

I LISTEN,

I TEACH,

I SHOW myself,

and I practice PATIENCE.

Naturally, I'm considerate of those around me and very conscious of the impact I have on their experience. I add to them, I acknowledge them, and I don't hide myself nor my intentions from them. These virtues alone are incongruent to the vices of a bully, and can be accepted as not only the criteria for, but also the evidence of good leadership. (Just don't get to thinking you can make everyone happy!)

a WISE Leader knows...

A wise leader knows to anticipate FRUSTRATION. No matter how righteous or effective a Leader By Practice may be, he is bound to have enemies and naysayers. Everyone has an ego and many people harbor selfish desires; both of which can make one blind to the rational, the logical, and the appropriate.

Frustration is an inevitable element, and frequently, an obstacle. Which is why a wise leader knows NOT to anticipate APPRECIATION. It's not so much that being a leader is difficult, but more so that it's difficult for people to be thankful for a good one.

However, it does not take away from your term of leadership. It does not take away from your method. As long as one leads with good and responsible intentions, he should be comfortable amidst the attitudes of others. Apologize for nothing!