Dr. Byfield

Spoiler alert: Your boss is not in charge of you. You are in charge of you. It’s the law of personal responsibility – everyone is responsible for leading something, even if that something is just you. While your boss provides guidance, direction, and support for your role, you are the one ultimately in charge of your emotions, thoughts, reactions, and decisions. One of the most impactful leadership practices is the ability to lead yourself no matter your job title or how “in charge” you feel at work. Control what you can control.

You have the unique opportunity to create something right where you are. You don’t have to wait for a fancy title or the corner office. All of us have a measure of leadership loaned to us. We may not immediately recognize it for what it is, but we each have the ability, as well as the opportunities, to influence others and effect change in this world. And the earlier we begin to fan the flame of the gift of influence, the more it will grow. In the early years of my career, the more I sat back and watched without taking initiative, the softer my voice became. Waiting for others to do something negatively affected the gift of leadership within me. Are you quietly waiting on the sidelines until someone calls your number or are you influencing others with your gifts?