Day 16 - Diving Deeper into Leadership

Today, I am challenged to dive deeper into leadership by picking one of my leadership traits to share more about. I will elaborate further on the attribute that seems to intimidate others the most: my inclination to act decisively based on strong gut feelings, even with limited information. It's worth noting that I am lawful good through and through, and I adhere to the laws, policies, and regulations of my workplaces and community. I don't even like to cross a road unless I'm in the crosswalk and the walk sign is on.

This action-oriented characteristic is inherently intertwined with both the individual and the leader that resides within me. I’m not a person who does sports but I’m going to attempt to accurately apply a sports analogy: I am not a person who sits on the sidelines. If I see something that can be improved upon, I’m going to take the initiative to do something about it, or I’m going to find someone who is willing and able to help me.

Jenna Repass, chairperson-elect for the Kansas Democratic Party, spoke at an event I attended last year. During her speech she shared a quote that reminded me how easy it is to unintentionally fail others through inaction. I don’t remember the rest of her speech, but I remember that the quote was relevant to the context of her speech and when I read it today, I find relevance still.

The quote is attributed to German pastor Martin Niemöller, an early nazi sympathizer who came to openly speak out against the nazis and the terrible mistreatment of human beings during the war. His words (below) are memorialized on a wall at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. They are as follows:

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out –

            because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out –

because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out –

because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak out for me.”

-Martin Niemöller

Individuals who belong to marginalized groups may face imbalances in their work environments. It is incumbent upon all of us to utilize any privilege or influence we possess and speak up for others when they cannot do so themselves, both within the community and in our workplaces.

Okay, so this was heavy. I didn’t intend for it to take the turn it did, but I feel deeply that to be good is to do good. Action is required. We must begin by assuming positive intent in others and in ourselves. When we are presented with new information, we will know better and can then do better.

It’s about progress, not perfection.

Stock image provided by Unsplash.