Leadership: Behind the Velvet Curtain

You must motivate yourself before you can motivate anyone else.

There’s a popular belief that those in leadership roles have it easy. Employees, especially those new to the corporate world, often perceive leadership as a breezy journey down a smooth path. But the reality is starkly different. Leaders share the same struggles, fears, and apprehensions as everyone else. The only difference is that they have learned the art of masking it, not just for their sake, but for the sake of their team and the business.

Take a typical day in my life, for example. There have been countless mornings when I’ve dragged myself out of bed, exhaustion evident in every step, wondering how I’m going to face the day. Those elevator rides up to the office floor are often a metaphorical journey. As I watch the numbers light up, marking each floor, there’s an inner transformation that takes place. My mind starts shaking off the fatigue, readying itself for the day.

By the time the final floor is reached, it feels like the climax in a stage play. The imminent opening of the elevator doors? That’s the director calling, "ACTION!" Regardless of how weary I might be feeling inside, as the doors slide open, it’s showtime. My face brightens, my posture straightens. "Good morning, Kelly," I’d greet our receptionist with genuine warmth, asking about her son, Milo, and her weekend escapades. The day continues in a similar vein.

Mid-day might bring its own set of challenges. A difficult meeting, perhaps, where things don't go as planned. But when that conference room door swings open, no one would guess the turmoil inside. Because as a leader, I recognize that my mood, my vibe, directly influences the entire team. Letting them see me falter might send ripples of doubt and fear. Hence, the mantra: never let them see you sweat.

The role of a leader is multifaceted. We are not just decision-makers or strategists. We are the motivation, the inspiration, and the force that unifies a diverse group of individuals towards a common goal. While the weight of this responsibility is immense, it's essential to remember that leaders are humans too.

And just as a car can't run endlessly without refueling, leaders too need their moments of rejuvenation. It's crucial to find pockets of time for oneself, to engage in activities that refresh the soul and the mind, to surround oneself with people who inspire and uplift.

So, to all the leaders out there, remember that leadership isn’t about being invincible. It's about showing up, day after day, even when the going gets tough. It's about drawing strength from within and being a source of strength for others. But most importantly, it's about recognizing your own humanity and ensuring you take care of yourself.

Keep shining. And when life calls, be ready to respond with a resounding "ACTION!"

Thanks for reading,

William Rochelle, but you can call me Bill

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