Who? Me?

I take things for granted.

More specifically, I take my beliefs for granted…I take my experiences for granted…

I had come to believe that my career was pretty ordinary; nothing special. I’m just doing what I do…checking off boxes on the “checklist of life.” I only saw myself through my eyes (and since I wear glasses, that’s probably not a sight I should trust anyway *smile*). However, since joining my company, I’ve had the blinders removed. I’ve been forced to think more broadly and to see what other people see when they see me. I’ve been reminded that, even when you don’t know it, someone is always watching. I’ve had multiple interactions with employees and guests that brought these truths to life and by which I’ve been humbled, motivated, and inspired.

Case in point: At different times, I’ve had a security guard, a public area attendant, a housekeeper, and a customer stop me to ask:

• Who are you?

• In what department do you work?

• Are you in management?

An affirmative answer to the last question is quickly followed by a congratulations and a demonstration of pride. The common thread of the asker? All were middle-aged (or older) women of color. “It’s good to see one of ‘us’ in management” is the sentiment each expressed. Recently, while having one of those conversations with a security guard, I had my “ah ha” moment: for these women, I am a daughter; a niece; a granddaughter. I am a reflection of them in management. My presence is a source of pride and inspiration. Who knew? Clearly I did not.

Ok…full disclosure, friends: it took me an hour to write that last paragraph; it took me a month to write this post. I kept starting and stopping; I keep re-writing. I’m uncomfortable with expressing this because it sounds self-important, immodest, and arrogant. Clearly that’s not the spirit of the post. And this inner-conflict, by itself, is interesting…and telling…and a symptom of a larger issue (i.e. women and/or minority leaders cowering or resisting the “role model” position).

Ugh. The more I write, the more “stuff” I step into. I’ve been working on this forever and I just can’t anymore. I’m done.

Eom.