We all have roles and responsibilities.
As a child, we often glamorize the roles that we will have in the future.
I am going to be an engineer.
I am going to be a teacher.
I am going to be a father.
As an adult, we can underestimate the roles that we have now.
I am only an assitant.
I am just a teacher.
I am only a mom.
Every single role that we are blessed to occupy is important. It is either a stepping stone to the hat we want to wear or the pinnacle of success in our industry. Every role is necessary. Every role is important.
There would not be a CEO without the janitorial staff that keeps a professional company environment. There would not be a Colonel without an Airmen who is completing the mission. There are no parents without children.
So if we all understand that every role is important, why do we downplay our own?
Humility is sometimes manifested as downplaying our roles. Humility, to me, is giving credit where credit is due. Accepting a compliment when given, acknowledging the hard work it took to get to this point and using those positive vibes as fuel to push further and reach back and help someone else enter their new role.
Roles are sometimes accepted at points in our lives that can surprise us. This can lead to doubt…a questioning of our abilities and our capacities to operate in the environment that we find ourselves. As leaders, we must recognize when our people are experiencing a new role and aid them in growing to fit. No one was perfect for the job before they had the job
No one was perfect for the job before they had the job.
We were not perfect at our jobs before we learned our jobs.
Allow for new roles to be entered but als
o recognize when it is time for roles to change (but that post is for another day!)
In the daily grind of wondering if you are good enough in the roles you are in, I ask that you examine a few things:
Do people greet you on their own when they see you?
This shows the attitude you project to others.
Do you generally wake up content in where you are now?
This shows the attitude you have for yourself.
Do you have an idea of where you want to be in 5 years and how to get there?
This shows your attitude for your future.
Embrace your roles.
The variety of roles you have make you better, stronger and more interesting than the person who is bemoaning their lot in life.
Leaders – when it is time for you to lead – lead. When it is time for
When it is time for your to follow – follow. Be aware of the roles you have and the company you keep to enhance those roles.
Be aware of the roles you have and the company you keep that helps you to enhance and embrace those roles.
Lead well.