When someone isn’t following along or take the time to listen, and believe they understand everything, then do the exact opposite, sometimes you have to take charge and be blunt with the person. It’s a sad day when adults don’t listen to a leader.

Leaders need to teach those involved in a task how to actively listen to what is being said at the time it is being said.

Everyone wants to be in charge but they don’t want to be involved. Everyone thinks they know what’s best for a group, and yet they do the things that make them happy at the expense of a group, and then get offended when you correct them.

Unfortunately, not all of us can be the center of the universe at the same time. Sometimes we have to complete an activity with the group. We have to give up our sense of self for the bigger purpose. Sometimes the outcome doesn’t go our way, but it is the right outcome for the group.

We have to stop talking and listen to what is being said during the instruction time. We have to acknowledge that the leader knows what she is doing and attempt to understand what we all need to do.

A leader who takes charge of a group should be respected and heard. If you disagree with the leader, you should ask for time to speak with them after the class or session, not continue to grumble during the entire session.

A leader shouldn’t give people permission to act out because they want something different. A leader should stick to her principles and believe in herself.

A single person who is disruptive in a group should be given a second chance, but when they won’t change and listen to what a leader has in mind, they should consider going to another group. We all have our place in the universe, and a good leader tries to find a place for everyone in a group, but if it isn’t a good fit, consider that it is time to move on. Don’t be angry about it, just think what is best for you as well as the group.

Each person needs to be stronger and get through hurt feelings because things didn’t go their way. They need to reflect on why something that was said triggered that emotion in them. The past has a way of getting to a person and they respond in a way that can be inappropriate. Respect is earned in any organization. Just because you’ve done something wonderful in the past doesn’t mean you are wonderful in that way today. Sometimes it’s okay to just sit and listen, no matter if you believe your skill-set is greater than others or the leader in the group. Contribute with the group. Don’t act out because you think you know better. The leader is trying to give you something, so try and listen.

Respecting authority is a hard thing for all of us. We grew up in traumatic and weird times, and want to be respected for who we are. Sometimes those in power aren’t good people, and that is the ups and downs of life. But sometimes there are wonderful leaders who come into our lives and we should respect that. Even if we think we know better, we can learn something new from another person every day.

We talk about transparency in government all the time, and yet we don’t understand it or respect those who are trying to be transparent in the private sector. We have been burned by so much misinformation that we currently don’t want to make an attempt to be civil to one another. Our examples of leadership put forth to us today make us upset, so we take it out on those who are trying to help us on a smaller scale.

A leader has to find the balance between full on authoritarian leadership and laissez-faire or permissiveness at all personal costs leadership. My understanding and relationship with leaders has been molded by my time in law enforcement and martial arts. I respect the command structure and try to follow who is leading at the time. I didn’t always agree with the way things were done in the past, but I hold onto the belief of doing something for the greater good. I hold onto the fact that some leaders are great, and some are terrible and should not lead. I learned from the best and tried not to grumble to much with others about the terrible ones.

I also know what I am good at so I take on tasks that others don’t know how to do or don’t want to do. I embrace that task and take responsibility for it. I try not to take on too many jobs at one time. I take one task to heart and do my very best, then move on when I’ve mastered that task.

The best way to help a leader is to help yourself. Choose a task that you are good at, not criticizing the leader for what they didn’t do. If a leader asks you to do something, and you are good at it, do it wholeheartedly, and embrace the challenge. If you are not good at that task, let the leader know and do something else to better the group. Imagine if each one of us took on a task that had a meaningful result. Imagine what we could do as a team if we are all on the same page!

So, embrace your skillset, and move forward. No more grandstanding. No more discord. Get together and be happy with what you are doing at the time. Make a joyful noise and be in harmony with all others and the universe at large. Thanks for listening and I look forward to embarking on the adventure with you!

I love you all and send good vibes out to you tonight.