I Like Your Red Hair…
Posted on September 25th, 2008 by Cynthia D'Amour
He grinned - and challenged with his eyes.
I stopped to grab a bite to eat in the Orlando airport.
The guy waiting on me looked like he might be a gang member.
- He had the attitude.
- His hair was shaved off.
- The tattoo on his arm looked like a gang symbol.
I gave him a big smile and thanked him for the compliment.
He had more to say, “You know, if I grew my hair out, I think I would dye it that color.”
It was decision time.
- Was he being flirty or a pest?
- Should I be insulted?
- Or flattered?
Flippantly, I dished it right back at him…
- “If you did, we could go out and tell folks we’re twins.”
- His jaw dropped.
- He about fell on the floor laughing.
“You are one cool chick!” he proclaimed.
- Wow.
- It’s been a while since I’ve heard that.
- I walked off smiling too.
Makes me think of chapter leaders… do you tend to assume people come from a positive place with their comments or do you see them as challenges to your power?
Filed under: Savvy Leadership
I know sometimes I struggle with this as I try to move forward in my career, both on the giving and receiving end. Then I realize if I’m worried about trying to hold onto any sort of “power” I have, then I don’t really have it to begin with. Ya know?
I’ve been working on being more positive and team-oriented in my own workplace, putting aside the “It’s not my job” mentality that can be so prevalent in today’s office. I can say that in some regards it has made my life easier, also “taking one on the chin” (as I like to call it) also helps. Stop with the excuses (even if it isn’t your fault) and just take it and move on. It’s also a good stress reducer!
Hi Lynn,
When I trigger to the power challenge mode, I try to catch myself and figure out what’s really going on - with me!
When I taught 8th grade, I went out of my way to truly compliment the “bad boys” - and find ways to encourage their natural leadership in my class. For many it was the first time they had been positively reinforced.
Ironically because they liked me, the rest of the classes were also well behaved - whether the bad boys were in them or not. A few of the guys were known to assist in my classroom management during their lunch break.
What an eye-opener about refusing to buy into the negative challenge talk!