Good morning beautiful people! Today’s inspiration is brought to you by the leaves turning hues of yellow, orange, and red, the mums blooming on my front porch, mid-week reflections of things accomplished thus far this week, and of course my usual piping hot cup of pumpkin spice caffeinated sunshine with extra froth and cinnamon.
Being a leader is one of the greatest professional privileges I have experienced, and I have experienced some great moments throughout my career. I believe that leadership isn’t a right, but it is earned and maintained by how you grow, develop, advocate for, nurture and treat those that may replace you.
It isn’t a title but your character and how you show up not just for yourself, but others around you.
As a leader, I love to mentor colleagues and help them see themselves through a different and more valuable lens than perhaps is being projected on them by their environment, professional or otherwise.
So when I hear stories of individuals feeling voiceless or invisible, it breaks my heart. I remember the days of feeling visibly invisible and powerless to effect change. But I also remember why I took the leap over three years ago from what I considered to be a dream role to lend my voice and experiences to advocate for social justice, equity, and visibility.
Visibility for those who are counting on me to do or say the right thing whenever I happen upon a chance to step into the room or get a seat at the table.
But I also recognize that each of us finds ourselves in those proverbial rooms or seats more often than we think. Which begs the question: What will you do when you are in the room? Better yet, do you even feel like you deserve a seat at the table?
Thus today’s moment in a mug: IF YOU ARE IN THE ROOM, YOU BELONG THERE.
I am sharing this as a reminder to myself and anyone else who needs to hear it today. We are all in rooms and spaces at times with chances to sit at tables of change and advocacy for ourselves and those who are counting on us to lead.
Use your VOICE.
Take up your SPACE.
Own the fact that you BELONG anywhere and everywhere you choose to be and show up as YOU.
Because that is enough.
Happy Wednesday!
@Erneshia_Michelle 