leadership – The Great Kaysby

Sometimes You Lead, Sometimes You Follow

Daily writing prompt

Do you see yourself as a leader?

By definition, according to the Oxford Dictionary, a leader is “the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or a country.” Solely looking at this definition, I have been a leader. I have been in the President/Highest Office in a few organizations and been one of the supporting main offices (usually secretary) in other organizations. I have also led a team of beauty consultants for almost 15 years. Just going off of what is on paper, I have been a leader in various capacities since about 2004. In other words, if my leadership self was their own person, they’d be having their first legal drink this year! LOL

But do I see myself as a leader?

No. Yes. Maybe. Being a leader is interesting because I do not necessarily see myself as a leader, but I have the type of personality where I can take charge when necessary (especially in critical situations though I may have a come apart when it is over), and I can also be the planner, organizer, etc for various situations. However, sometimes it is also nice to be part of the ensemble so to speak. It’s nice to be in the background while someone else steps in the spotlight. I also feel like as I get older, the reason for seeking leadership changes. When I was younger, sometimes I wanted to be made the leader because it made me feel like I had a bigger purpose (like when I held various offices with organizations). As I have gotten older, I want to lead people with a servant’s heart so that they will be able to mirror that love and gratitude to future generations. Currently, I have a semi-leadership position in a non-profit, and I have said for years that I want to lead it in such away that when I decide to step down, I know that it will be secure for years to come. I have also found myself desiring to grow in business leadership because I know that it will have a bigger positive impact on my own family. However, I also know that to do this and be the best leader I can be, I have some self growth that needs to happen in areas like time management and overcoming obstacles.

So do I see myself as a leader? I see myself growing into the person I was born to be, and if that involves leading others and showing what it is like to live by the Golden Rule, then that’s cool.

Are you a leader?

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby

A Strong Leader…

A strong leader is someone who is willing to recognize their abilities may not be up to par any more and step aside so that someone more capable can take over the role. I can’t think of any better example of strong leadership than those who are willing to set their pride aside for the better of the group they are leading. This is the gist of my thoughts since President Biden decided to step down from the 2024 Presidential Election yesterday. While I know there people who are going to make negative comments because of their personal opinions, I believe that we can all learn from President Biden’s actions. We may not all be in charge of a country, but we all find ourselves involved with jobs, organizations, etc where we eventually realize that our leadership or fulfillment of duties is no longer up to par. The question then becomes, do you step aside and allow someone more able to take your place, or do you continue holding the position though you are inadequate?

If you opt to step aside, it tells me that you believe in the mission you had set out to achieve, and you want it to be obtained even if your name is no longer attached. Those who are willing to step aside recognize that their continued leadership could be more of a hindrance than a help. Additionally, be willing to step aside shows that the person who steps aside generally wants what is best for the people who are involved. On the flip side, is the leader who refuses to step aside even if they are being a detriment to the organization’s goals or mission. The image that immediately comes to mind when thinking about this kind of leader is a boat captain watching his ship go up in flames as opposed to grabbing a fire extinguisher! This is the kind of leader that cares more about having power than how their actions impact the group as a whole. When looking at it from these perspectives, then you would think it would make sense to be the first leader. But…

How many people have remained CEO after their decisions were no longer best for most involved?

How many people have continued with a club or organization after they no longer really cared?

How many people have continued to coach a team even when they were no longer effective?

It’s actually easier to keep pushing forward because it doesn’t involve admitting you are no longer the best for the job. Many of us have been taught that stepping aside is a sign of weakness, and that admitting we were not good at something is a sign of weakness. The reality is being willing to admit you’re the wrong fit shows strength as a leader!

So to all of those out there leading a team, I hope that you’re doing what’s best not just for you but for your whole organization!

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby

Today’s Excitement

As part of a leadership class I am taking, I’m starting a 30 day challenge of Daily Journal Prompts. This is outside of my usual realm, but I’m excited for the challenge!

Prompt 1 – What are you most excited about for today?

As you may have realized over the years, I am an easily excitable person, so it is hard to pinpoint one thing that I am most excited about today. Currently, I’m excited that I’ve been able to make posts in my VIP Client and team groups while watching Aqua Pups with LilKsby. Now he’s sitting in my lap, and snuggles are always exciting! Another thing I’m excited about? Nachos! LilKsby has been asking to go to O’Charley’s, and it just happens to be $5 Nacho Day during lunch hours. So today I get to go have it with him and Mr Kisby – double bonus! I also get excited about the library, and we have to go there today too! Bonus? Tonight is our weekly leadership class, and I’m excited about that too! I’m excited that I’ve stuck with it for five weeks especially with the last week not being my best. Mary Kay Ash used to say if you’ve had a bad week you need the meeting, and if you’ve had a great week the meeting needs you! Plus, fireworks! So much excitement all day long!!!

What are you excited about today?

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby