What's in a title?

 I told you in an earlier blog that I was going to tell a story but as things come up I may have to pause here and there and talk about what is on my heart.  I took a few minutes away from my desk to eat lunch today and I grabbed my phone, clicked FB and this was the first thing I read; 

Thank you Sarah for posting. 

As I was writing this weekend to share my Maryland days, which I planned to share today, I was reminded of the titles I had at a very young age.  I was a Youth Director, Supervisory Recreation Specialist, and Director of Operations for a non-profit. I was offered the Executive Director position that I turned down because we moved back to Delaware.  I needed a slower pace at the time to take care of Jacob while Sean was deployed.  The title I currently have is Financial Secretary and School Choice Coordinator.  I help support the top two women in charge of a school district.  I have immense respect for those women as they are both great leaders.  I would say that there has always been a level of respect that has been given to me in any position I have held because of my work ethic and my ability to lead when I was in a position to do so.  I try to be a good listener and problem solver as I am presented with unique situations on a daily basis. Attitude is everything!  The energy you bring to the table matters.       

Unfortunately, I have also seen the other side of this.  People who are in leadership positions or have Dr. attached to their name think that they are above those who don't.  I admire anyone who takes the time, puts in the work, and spends the money on higher education.  But what is in a title?  What did you learn from that education?  How are you taking what you learned and empowering and influencing others?  That is what good leaders do! Are you approachable?  Are you giving your team the tools that they need to be successful?  Are you strategic in your thinking? Does your team value your input and trust your ability to lead them?  I am always evaluating myself as a human being, what can I do better, and what did that experience teach me?  Are you a leader who does that?  It is all about learning and growing.  Good leaders will pull that out of the people they lead and will want to see them thrive.  It's not about ego or getting credit, it is about working together as a team to get things done!  Self-awareness is important in life.  It should never be about a title or the amount of money you make.  It should be about the impact you are having on others and your ability to lead a team.  The saying is true, people will always do more when they feel appreciated.  Be BOLD! 



                                  

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