Once upon a time, our lives didn’t live beyond the walls of our homes and schools. But the magical world of technology took off and now I can’t remember the last time I put eyes on a phone book or went to a physical book to research.
In a time where social media reigns prevalent, we are looking to “influencers” for the latest trends and the new “it” words to stay relevant. We discovered during childhood/teenage years that you should seek out a amazing brand deals at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. It’s a chuckle moment watching a new generation discover all their glory, this still blows my mind because they are literally everywhere and don’t sleep on Ross. Getting lost in the shuffle has become an ongoing occurrence, and not really settling on what role you even play in your life.
And that doesn’t apply just to twenty five and younger. It doesn’t change as you get older.
It may be “influencers” from your generation or someone you saw while grocery shopping or in a meeting, we are constantly seeking validation.
Maybe you are comfortable in your supporting cast role, regular, dependable. Or you just want to be supporting cast member, no real pressure put on you, the ability to blend in..fly under the radar.
Those are fine, great even. Some people are introverts and we want to respect their boundaries, but what about us pushing you to grow, be present in the uncomfortable. You have talents, gifts, thoughts, ideas that can highlight who you are as person. It doesn’t have to be grandiose but it should be you. Show the world who you are. Show yourself!
BUT, if you are like me, you see how cutthroat of a mindset others have. Now, myself, I thrive in the socializing and networking, just pure connection. I enter a space confident, yet mindful of the tone. Oh we will be besties, trust me!
Main character energy isn’t validation for you to become the antagonist. We see you, your amazing, fabulous, clap clap, yea you! The main character is so much deeper than the surface view. A main character, has integrity, they are comfortable in themselves. And while the spotlight may glow and shimmer brightly on their contribution, the main character is behind the scenes, giving encouragement to that supporting role.
Rooting for my friends, has become second nature. I want to see them win. Not just show up at the finish line. I want to assist you, if requested. I want brainstorm over coffee or cocktails and talk through ideas. I want to be in trenches to give you that boost if needed . Standing in the crowd in my crop tee with your face, approved photo rallying in your celebratory dance.Your ultimate hype woman. I mean I can coordinate my nails if need be.
Main character energy encompasses leadership. You are setting the pace, the focus, the destination. Displaying the morale of how the show will play out. Will you take shortcuts and be controlling? Will you say, hey this is my strength but my supporting cast member excels in this area; you allow the entire cast to make a contribution. You are setting the path for their leadership qualities to headline the front page.
I’ve have experienced individuals in leadership roles that transparently really struggle in this area. They want to overtake a conversation, to take control of the narrative or they are in a space with others leadership roles and take credit for a team members work. Flag on the play, two yard penalty. I know I just switched up the theme here but football is the analogy that will drive us to the end zone.
Think about your favorite football team, or if you “go sports” what team is that hot guy on you watch every Sunday or Monday night to get a glimpse of? Oh, no judgment, that’s a bonus that keeps my attention fully focused on the baseball field. Iykyk. When I think of a football team, quarterback is my first thought. They are leaders on and off the field, have the C for captain on their jersey. Any commentary of a win or loss will center on their performance. Did they show up for their team on the field? Did they show why million dollar contracts are signed year after year? That’s a heavy load to carry, and often times it plays out in front of millions of viewers worldwide.
C’mon focus. The quarterback has the unique role that with the throw of a ball, can switch leadership and acknowledge that receiver’s strength. That is true leadership. Not only does the team need trust you, but do you trust them to show up, take that risky play… lead purposeful when you aren’t present.
A leader knows when it’s time to take that final bow, throw that last ball, attend that last meeting. And don’t keep coming out of retirement. Not your field anymore! That leader who invested in their team, who encouraged the team to seek out new ventures for the future, that has intentionally built a community, who rallies around the team..that right there, continues a legacy, inserts space for old and new team members to contribute pieces of new ideas and adventures or some risk. Risk can be fun! It will be okay, we got you.
While I thrive in conversation and connections, I thrive in being present and observant. You can,
you should as the main character have the ability to do both.
You can be a protagonist or antagonist. The choice is yours. Please don’t be the antagonist, because then I have to be the villain to preserve my team. And when I’m the villain, I may(Grinch smile) enjoy it too much. But a leader goes to bat for the health and quality of their team.
There are many villains, now as an adult I question if they were the villain, that’s not your role. I need to you to be as stylish as Meredith Blake with the authority, not callous nature of Miranda Priestly but she knew how to control a space. I leave you with this thought, consider who you want to be and known to be?
Now, I’m off to be legendary, surely you didn’t expect anything less!
Now go thrive in your greatness!
Till next time Lovey(s)
Xoxo
Mahogz