Doretha Walker
Leadership is not only important when you hold the title, but it is incredibly crucial when that title is no longer yours, when you get fired and have to do something new.
While from time to time we all dream about being free to pursue other opportunities, I do not think anyone really dreams about being fired. Severance packages aside, there is a certain amount of ego involved.
I hated my job.
I had allowed it to suck the life out of me.
I allowed it to take over my life making me completely miserable.
I continued to work hard making myself an invaluable employee. Or at least that’s what I thought.
Anyway, there are two sides to every story, and I found myself walking out of the door never to return. And while I will admit that leaving on my own terms was my preferred exit strategy, God often decides that something more drastic is required.
The truth is that I stayed much too long where I was. I referred to my job as ‘it pays the bills’. Not a ringing endorsement for the place where I spent most of my waking hours. Everything happens for a reason, doesn’t it? I needed to go.
Time for me to lead somewhere new
Now is when I am so happy that I’m a leader. Notice that I did not use past tense.
I firmly believe that leadership traits do not disappear when situations change only the method in which they are delivered is different.
I am still a leader. I still have the skills to prioritize, analyze, strategize, and motivate. Only for right now I need to use those skills on myself. I need to remain focused, remain positive and refuse to allow myself to feel sorry for myself. And above all else, do not panic. I still have a dissertation to write.
Lee Childs said it best:
It’s about opportunity… you’ve learned a few things.
You’ve got skills and work habits.
You’re in charge. But try something. Anything.
Sit back, take a breath, believe in yourself, identify your dream, and go for it 110%.
Trust me, your motivation will never be as strong.
And the chance might never come your way again.
At the moment, I have not entered into another employment opportunity, but I know what it is that I do not want. I am convinced that my leadership abilities will serve me well in whatever comes next.
And for now, I am doing some of those things that I wish I had the time to do before.
Today’s guest post is from Doretha Walker, Ph.D, past president of the Charleston, SC Center for Women, blogger, and professor. Having just done through some major life changes, Doretha shares some candid and touching insights.
Doretha –
I just wanted to say thank you for the honesty and perspective behind this post. I’m a big fan of your posts here, and can’t wait to see where life takes you next!
Cindy-thank you so much! I will admit that right now I am officially scared. Hopefully that will make me really search for the ‘right’ next step.
– would you allow us to share a guest post with your blog to raise awareness of the work we are doing to help aid single mommies in need – would be short and sweet and we are willing to repay the favor on our blog at babypickel.com – With a cherry on top :0)
Are you looking for a guest post on my blog http://www.wecanflyhigher.com or this one? I can arrange that as I am guest blogging on this one.
I am currently doing a Women’s Group with a focus on Transitions and how to turn these into opportunities for growth and redirection. Great story that I will share with my group. In the end, we all have the choice to believe in something positive for the future even when the present doesn’t feel so.
To all, happiness is not a destination but a direction.
I’m behind you 100% Doretha.
Thank you, Sharon! I hope this shows people that not only the ‘bad’ employees get pink slips.
Great job- and a very important point- you are still a leader.
Thank you, sistergirlfriend. I am trying to be still and let God order my steps. And you know how easy that is for me!
Be of good courage! I relate because I spent years in a job I hated too. God let me know it was time to leave and though I left with some fear of the future, I now know that life & work can be an adventure rather than a burden. Enjoy the ride called the future. Trust God to lead you to something fulfilling (that you also get paid for.)
Thank you, dear sistergirlfriend. I am really trying to listen to the signs that God is providing instead of jumping into something else out of fear.