Powerful Leadership
“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?” — Frida Kahlo
Hispanic Heroes
At Hispanic conferences I’ve heard it said with some disappointment, that Hispanic people don’t have a powerful figurehead like MLK, Jr. or JFK because we are not as powerful or aggressive due to our spiritual roots and value systems. I ask you to consider this as faulty logic. I assert we ARE powerful because of our spiritual roots and values. I assert it is not power the Hispanic people lack. And it is not aggression either. What I see standing in the way of rising, recognized Hispanic leadership, is a failure to recognize our worthiness.
Recognizing our Worthiness
Because of our deep spiritual roots, many Hispanic people determine that humility is inconsistent with being on the front line; the leading edge; being change agents and heroes. This is inaccurate and can keep us small. The heroes we know and love had to have a strong, loving, powerful and positive ego. Yes, ego; not the braggadocios kind, but the kind that would die on a cross or swim against the current when it is right to do so. This ego is courageous, guided by love and remembers that purpose and values are its mission. This ego is based in a love so strong that it spends no time worrying about guilt, acceptance or recognition; worth is just a simple fact. More importantly, the work is to be done. Recognized leaders of our world have never focused on being recognized or safe. They focused on being truth-tellers and knowing they deserve (are worthy of) a loving place on the front line, even when telling the truth with courage and pride has not been popular or even safe.
Wires we’ve Crossed
Sometimes we have this crazy idea that power is aggression. We equate loving values as important “nice to haves”, but not especially useful when up against the most pressing problems we face today, nor what looks like the losing track record of those acting from loving values. After all, historically many of the most values-based people seem to end up on the losing end. These famous spiritual, political, philosophical, scientific, and social thought leaders and change agents were humble and powerfully loving. The question is this: Do the good values held by Latinos really ever lose? Every person reading this can likely think of famous or everyday people, who when you think about them, bring about inspiration and expand your capacity to be better. What if our values ARE our power and the illusion of unworthiness and fear of expressing LOVE, is all that keeps us from being the leaders we already are?
Claiming Our Place
Consider this: You are extremely powerful because of your values. You are exceptionally worthy to show up with. Be fearless. Show up authentically. You will be someone’s hero. Maybe many people’s hero. Lean into your worthiness. Know you are needed and valued. Be bold in love. Take the power of your ego and do not confuse it with aggression. Guide it with high purpose and values. Use it to make the world better.
If you need or want my help in channeling your beautiful, loving power, call me. I’d love to celebrate, support and guide you!
About Judy Ryan
Judy Ryan has been CEO and founder of LifeWork Systems, an award-winning training and consulting company specializing in culture transformation since 2002. She is author of the book, “What’s the Deal With Workplace Culture Change?”, a columnist on Emotional Intelligence in The Women’s Journals, a columnist on The Extraordinary Workplace in St. Louis Small Business Monthly, and a columnist on 21st Century Systems for Hispanic Chamber of St. Louis. Judy is also a human systems developer and consultant, trainer, coach, and keynote presenter, with guest appearances on TV, podcasts and radio.
Why People Hire LifeWork Systems?
Business owners, community leaders, and educators hire Judy Ryan and Lifework Systems because they want the advantages of an extraordinary workplace and recognize that a systems approach ensures consistency and sustainability. We have created assessments, a digital online training platform, processes, and systems integration to create the winning ticket for your business. Take our culture assessment and schedule your first consult session at no cost. You can also contact Judy at 314-239-4727 or judy@lifeworksystems.com