Leadership Lessons I Learned From My Mother

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. I am among those who may make this journey unnecessarily difficult.

To simplify that journey, I have reflected on the leadership lessons I learned from my mother, Cora. She was a career high school English teacher from whom I learned every day of my life. My mother was a teacher by profession, but more importantly by her very nature.

Through her writing, her character, and her actions, she inspired me over the years. Of the many lessons she taught, I will focus on perseverance, patience, preparation, and prayer.

PERSEVERANCE

My mother excelled as an educator, despite numerous health challenges as a child and as an adult. In the classroom she endured disrespect from students and parents. And Cora willingly stuck with the profession although it required her to supplement her income with part-time jobs.

I got to observe firsthand how perseverance shapes character. She was dedicated to her calling and never faltered.

Those of us who have been blessed with the responsibility of leadership, do not have the option of giving up, regardless of the circumstances we may face.

PATIENCE

Our patience is tested constantly in all areas of our lives. My favorite teacher never gave up on a student, instead remaining patient with those who may have been discarded by the educational system. Her patience was also tested as a successful Black woman in the workplace.

As leaders of color, we should choose when it is most imperative to call out an act of bias or injustice whether or not it was intentional. We could make a full-time job of addressing such issues.

We must, however, always expect mutual respect and work to enlighten a colleague who may lack self-awareness about the impact of inappropriate words or actions. If we are patient, we may help facilitate a breakthrough at some point in that colleague.

PREPARATION

Many leaders of color have had our ability, credentials, or capacity questioned. These tactics are demoralizing and disrespectful. These situations challenge us as leaders of color to always be prepared.

My mother was an experienced and accomplished educator, yet at the beginning of every school year I saw her approach it as if it were her very first time in the classroom. She took no shortcuts. She knew she only had a finite number of days of instruction, and she wanted to make the most of every single one.

We can never lose sight of the value of preparation.

PRAYER

Many of us have had a praying mother or grandmother. I was blessed to have both in my home growing up. Those two prayer warriors took no chances in making sure I had every advantage in life, including the benefit of their fervent prayers. I am so thankful for their intercession in my life and the example they set for me.

Back in the day (you knew I would use this phrase at least once), I was an above-average middle-distance runner at my small school. My interest in track has endured over the years.

So, it goes without saying that I watched the recent Paris Olympics. One of the stars was Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. She is a two-time Olympic champion in the 400-meter hurdles, arguably the toughest sprint race in track and field. She has emerged as a worldwide phenomenon.

Yet, with all the attention and demands she has had to navigate, she has unapologetically and openly expressed her deep faith.

In an Associated Press News interview from July 2 of this year, Sydney described her faith life as “being in the word, being in prayer, keeping that in the forefront and allowing that to be what centers my mind and not the outside voices of the world.”

Sydney was not deterred by the detractors who may have discouraged her from sharing her faith. It has become challenging to publicly express faith outside or our homes or places of worship. But Sydney has remained steadfast in her faith.

In summary, none of these leadership lessons are necessarily earth-shattering in nature. They are practical and timeless principles that leaders of all backgrounds can benefit from. May they help us along our leadership journey. Thanks, mom!