I recently came across President Obama’s book Of Thee I Sing a message of inspiration and love to his daughters, reminding them of their strength and intelligence as demonstrated by some of the country’s most inspiring political, artistic, and cultural leaders- Dr. King, Georgia O’Keefe, Billie Holliday, Sitting Bull, to name a few. The names were big and familiar and included a cross-section of eras and backgrounds.
Representation matters, of course, in leadership among other things, and it is important for both children and adults to see people like them doing the very things they wish to be doing. Or perhaps do not yet know they can even wish to do. Which is why that representation matters.
This representation can include so many aspects of who we are, where we come from, how we speak, and dress, and think, and act. It all matters. But the representation is often so big. Too big, I think in many ways.
Yes, it is inspiring to hear stories of people who have changed the country and even the world. It is important to hear their stories and the great impact they have had. There is a lot to learn about these stories, and they deserve to be told and heard. Further, there is something inherently and intentionally encouraging about the message in these stories and the way they are told in a humanizing, rags to riches kind of way- look, they are just like you. Therefore, you too can be just like them.
Someone somewhere who hears these stories will undoubtedly go on to change the whole world too in a similarly big way. Perhaps because someone took the time to tell them such stories. But most won’t. Most will go about changing their own small corner of the world in their own small way. Which of course is still powerful and important. These stories need to be told too. This representation matters too.
When I first started my business, I soaked in all I could about how to do it. Quickly, I noticed how so many of the examples and references were of people who were doing it in a really, really big way. People like Oprah and Elon and Bezos. Literal billionaires who were among the most financially successful people on the planet. And there I was, just starting out, wondering how I was going to make my first sale and pay my rent. I remember thinking, what in the world does Oprah have to do with me? The story was too big for me. It didn’t inspire me. It didn’t motivate me. I needed to hear from people closer to where I was, whose stories felt more familiar and real and attainable. I didn’t see myself in Oprah or Elon or Bezos. I still don’t. They are not the entrepreneurs I will ever be.
I know I am not alone. There are many other entrepreneurs out there just like me. And when it comes to leadership, I know I am not alone either. I know there are many other leaders like me, who are not looking to make it into Obama’s next book or Time’s next list of most influential people. I know there are a lot of leaders out there like me, looking to make a positive difference in our own little corner of the world, our own corner office of the world, on our own teams, doing the work day in and day out. Who want to do the very best we can without the fame (but perhaps with the fortune) in a way that leaves a positive mark on the world and grants us a peaceful sleep at night. Perhaps you are one of them.
It is worth saying and emphasizing that this type of leadership matters too. This work is so important too. And these stories should be told. Your story needs to be told. It may not feel quite as newsworthy as Greta’s or Malala’s and you most likely will not ever have their reach, but that does not mean you do not have tremendous impact on those you lead. Part of that impact and influence is sharing your story and letting people know what you are doing and why. How you got started. What challenges you have faced along the way. How you got better. How you are still getting better, and where you still struggle.
Your story matters. And you never know who will see themselves in you as you tell it. You will never fully appreciate how your representation may be positively inviting and inspiring others. So, what’s your story? And how can you start sharing it today?
