Lao Voices

I think it is harder to let go and adapt to changes when you’re older, as young people are more readily to adapt to changes. I know in many situations, and most work places that people never appreciate in what they are doing, but when it’s time to let go of that duty then it’s that emotional turmoil that they go through, as one of my co-workers went to the extreme of describing having to give up part of her job to a new person as going through an emotional feelings of a divorce, this I patiently listened.

I think whiners love to hear themselves whine, even if they ask you for advice, don’t fall into the trap of giving one because they have no interest in hearing, they just want you to listen and praise of a wonderful person and wonderful job that they have done or are doing; this I knew and understood too well because I know of few whiners. My co-worker is an older lady, set in her ways of doing things, and definitely a whiner. She often views herself as a good leader, but I often question her leadership role, as I think she is not adapting too well to the transition from the industrial age to the information age in a matter of speaking, which is a huge shift for her.

I think some people are born leaders and some just want to put themselves up there to feel the importance of being leaders. I think that leadership is very much related to changes and some people are too set in their old ways of doing things, if that’s the case then step down and maybe there might be a better and more suitable person that will arise to the occasions. But you see, this would be hard for some to see because they can’t see themselves in that light, you can say, “it is not over until the fat lady sings,” and where is a fat lady when you need one.

Many people like to call themselves leaders mainly because of the title or the position that they are in but often times lack the quality of good leaders. As for me, I think a leader is someone who helps others do and become more than they ever thought possible; it is about unlocking potential that you see in people; it is not about telling people what to do but inspiring them to see what they are capable of doing, then helping them get there. Good leaders know what is important to them, what their strengths and weaknesses are, what drives them, and where to draw the line and to me, this is someone who has self-confidence and clear values.

I know of few people that are put in leadership positions that don’t belong there, mainly because they don’t even know themselves. I think knowing yourself is crucial when faced with challenges or ethical situations, being able to communicating with others that have different ideas is also important and not my way is the highway. A good leader is not afraid to take on responsibilities and not afraid of growth. If you’re in a position of leadership and all I hear from you is your whining, then you don’t belong there. As for my co-worker, she often sings to herself, come to think about it, the fat lady did sing.