Difference Maker!
This week’s difference maker is going to be vague. I love all those involved, and just like I’m sure I’ve pushed people to become stronger without even realizing it (in a negative way), they have done this for me. And I am grateful.
It is true, people in general never leave a place where they are happy. Money is not what pushes us over the ledge, it is when comfortability and inclusion gets removed. It is when we realize we are the square peg trying to fit in a round hole. It is when we consistently see things happening, the results of them, and try to fix it to no avail. It is the isolationism, the lack of teamwork, and communications.
I learned there is a distinct difference between being a leader and a manager. And a manager needs a leader. The absence of these essential roles creates a gap or an opening. The opening for opportunities.
I have experienced this twice in my life.
First was soon after graduating from college, I had a basic job where I was happy. It wasn’t in my degree at all, but it was good for me. It didn’t push me, but I was able to pay for the bills and then some. I bartended. I was young, not ready for more responsibility, and complacent.
A friend of mine, who has the spirit of the matador, taking the bull by the horns, offered me a job that I should have jumped on. She was an amazing influence on my life. But because of my complacency, I delayed my response. Looking back, kills me.
Then one night I went through a horrible experience with the owner of the place I was working. Typically, other staff members had those experiences, never me. One busy evening the owner flipped out on me, punching the wall by my head. I promptly grabbed my purse never to return.
His action caused me to say yes to my friend! I literally could say, if it wasn’t for him, I would not be where or who I am today. There’s a good chance I would’ve never moved away, met my husband, had amazing experiences, went for additional education, etc., etc., if it wasn’t for his moment of rage. Which by the way, was because I placed a food order in before his kitchen staff was able to eat.
The second, was not dramatic in the least but just as impactful. After obtaining my brokerage license, my friends and family were/ are amazingly supportive telling me I should start my own brokerage. They just could not grasp why I wouldn’t. I would have excuse after excuse, until one day I said, “I just didn’t want to open one.” Why? I was complacent. I love the people I worked for, so why go? Until one day, I decided I wanted more, reality is I needed more, to be more connected, to be more involved. I was trying to figure out ways to bridge the gap. I was rejected, and to their defense I get why. Remember what I said about leaders and managers.
I also MUST say, these people are beautiful, who I do love and respect, even if they don’t feel the same for me, I will always love them. They are patient, understanding, and are going through the same pains as everyone else who are entrepreneurs. And they definitely have the hearts and spirit of true entrepreneurs.
Nevertheless, I am so immensely grateful for their rejection. If it wasn’t for that I would never have taken the leap of faith to create Dandelion Properties.