By Vernalee
"Don't settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that's in us" Angela Bassett
Who wants to just be average? Mediocrity should not be our goal. When we put our best foot forward, work our hardest, it is then that we produce our best product. Dare to try! You’ll see the results! Photo credit: cafemoms.com
By Vernalee
It’s a new day!
On August 11, 2020, Senator Kamala Harris became the first Black and the first Asian American Vice presidential running mate on a major party ticket. We saw her up close and personal as she campaigned for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. As he made his announcement, Presidential candidate Joe Biden said, “This morning, little girls woke up across this nation — especially Black and Brown girls who so often may feel overlooked and undervalued in our society — potentially seeing themselves in a new way: As the stuff of Presidents and Vice Presidents.“ When we see Kamala, she represents accomplishments, intelligence, hope, inspiration … and so many positive attributes. As her sorority sister, as a Black woman, as a person who knows what it feels like to be seated at the back of the bus, today, I stand proud as I hope you do!
By Vernalee
Conducting an orchestra is an extraordinary talent. The same is true with a leadership role in any capacity. The finesse to lead particularly when you stand before a group whose talents and egos are as big as the Mississippi River is long - is no easy task. In fact, it is quite challenging to say the least. Allow me to provide an example.
When the mega hit, "We are the World“ was recorded, the incomparable maestro Quincy Jones told all of the mega star recording artists to "check their egos at the door." That’s right! He established himself as the leader and took the mammoth responsibility to control the orchestration and outcome. As time was of the essence and fundraising to feed starving children in Africa was the goal (associated with producing “We are the world”), strong leadership and task completion were critically essential. The respective singers, though individually and extraordinarily talented, respected Quincy's demonstrated and proven leadership abilities. They complied. The sound and final production only came together when all followed the commands of their conductor/ leader. What a hard task Quincy had, but what a beautiful record breaking sound he created! The same skill set and application are true in leading people no matter the task or location.
Following the leader’s dictates produces harmonic melodies. Obeying requires respecting authority. Following is also pivotal. Good leaders are good followers! It is a responsible act of humility. The resulting and resounding beauty of “following the leader” was in this referenced production magnificently heard and seen loud and clear. That was in music. The same is true in life!