Know Your Place, Honour The Pace

Last week, I mentioned the importance of leaders giving credit where it’s due, celebrating their subordinates publicly, and fostering future leaders.

Today, let's flip the script and address the other side of the coin—subordinates who sometimes let their talent cloud their sense of hierarchy, respect, and emotional intelligence.

It’s not uncommon to find individuals who, after excelling in a particular area, begin to feel entitled to equal recognition as their leaders. Sometimes, they may even think, “How old is she anyway? We’re practically age mates.”

Talent alone does not make a leader. The journey, the lessons learned, and the dues paid shape true leadership. Your leader didn’t just stumble upon the position—they earned it through perseverance, dedication, and hard work.

Emotional intelligence plays a vital role here.

It’s not just about being good at your job; it’s about understanding the dynamics of leadership, showing respect, and being mindful of how your actions and attitudes impact the team and the leader.

A lack of emotional intelligence can make you forget that leadership is not just about skill but also about character, consistency, and the ability to inspire others.

While it’s commendable to be good at what you do, humility remains an invaluable trait.

Remember, leadership is not a sprint but a marathon.

Your leader has put in the time, made the sacrifices, and carried the weight of responsibility long before you even stepped into the scene. It’s not just about age; it’s about experience, depth, and readiness; which is been observed by many.

Aspiring leaders often forget that the same attitude they project toward their current leaders might one day be mirrored back at them. Would you appreciate being treated as “just another colleague” when you’ve climbed the ladder through consistent effort and resilience?

Emotional intelligence teaches us to empathize, respect hierarchy, and appreciate the paths others have taken.

I like this quote by C.S. Lewis which highlights how limited you are when you look down on others; "A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you."

Respect your leader. Honor their journey. If you aspire to lead one day, let your attitude today be the foundation of the respect you wish to receive tomorrow.

Need I say more?