Reflection

November is a beautiful time to reflect. We don’t have to save our gratitude for Thanksgiving, especially when we have so much to be thankful for!

If you think about it, many of the things we can be thankful for involve other people. Our family and friends make our days brighter. Our pets make us smile. Our medical professionals help us to live healthier lives. Repair technicians fix what is broken and artists share their gifts. I don’t think we were meant to navigate life on our own. God even created Eve so Adam wouldn’t be alone!

So, who has made a difference in your life? While we often think about teachers when we’re asked this question, I would like for you to think about your career. Who took a chance on you? Who gave you an opportunity? Did someone mentor you? Did someone give you additional training? Who challenged you or helped you grow? Who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself?

As I write these questions, I see several faces in my mind. I am so thankful for the leaders that helped me to become the woman I am today! The first attorney I worked for hired me while I was still in college with goals of becoming a paralegal. She took a chance on me so I could begin my professional career.

When I realized that I no longer had the heart to work in a broken legal system, another leader gave me an opportunity to change careers. This journey had some stumbling blocks, especially as I realized that numbers and details are not my gift! My leader never gave up on me. When I was frustrated and in tears, she believed in me. She encouraged me and helped me find the resources I needed to succeed. She gave me opportunities for growth and I took them. She ultimately helped me realize how much I love helping others and training them. There is no doubt in my mind that her influence led me to create my company and have the career of my dreams today!

I share my personal story to encourage you to be the leader that God created you to be. You don’t need a powerful title to be a leader. Encourage, help and guide others. Be a good listener. Be a connector and make recommendations.

If you are in a position with authority, give people chances. Hire the applicant that doesn’t have the experience. Train them. If they make mistakes, help them find their strengths. Give them opportunities to grow. Pay for seminars, certifications and experiences. Connect them with experts in the areas they are weak in. Your influence far exceeds the workplace. While your goal might be to build a better workplace, you may actually be building a better human. You can make an impact on their family, friends, community and the world.

Trust me. I was the girl that was made fun of for not wearing the right clothes. I talked too much. I was the fat cheerleader (although I wish I was that size today!). I was awkward. You know what else? I never gave up. I took every opportunity that my leaders gave me. I’m now in the position to help my family and friends. I coach teenagers, job seekers and leaders in my community. I literally collaborate with professionals around the world. I share everything that has been given to me with others.

To say I’m thankful is an understatement.

I challenge you to share your gifts and talents with others. Use your connections and positions of authority to give opportunities to others. Help them find their way and encourage them to make a positive difference in this world.