I recently completed a posts for CharlotteO Ministries’ Instagram page. It’s not one of our most popular posts, but it still serves as a friendly reminder, nonetheless. The name of the post is, Tastefully Visible. When I created it, my goal was to simply share the importance of staying humble in all that we do. Yet, the aftermath of its creation offered me space to reflect on people and experiences I have had concerning this topic.
For instance, I once knew an individual who needed to share on Facebook, every good deed she did. The word ‘once’ is a key terminology here, since we are no longer acquainted. Conversely, every time she shared, I cringed based on the questions “Why is it necessary to expose all the good that we do in the world?’ Shouldn’t we be satisfied with the tap we receive or the blessings that come from God? Is validation so important that the entire world must know that we are good people?
There are leaders who must be right in the center of the action, and then there are those who prefer to sit behind the scenes, not boasting about her or his achievements, but instead, remain in a place of contentment. This is not so say that leaders at the center do not hold significant value…sure they do. However, it’s the leader that exhibit high incidents of poor behavior and careless judgment, we must be concerned about.
The theory of social contagion suggests that specific behaviors shared by one person is often easily copied by another in close vicinity of the original performer. So leaders, consider the behavioral patterns you transmit to those you influence. Social contagion is intangible, but can be quite fierce in good or not so good ways. In leadership, you are an influencer without signing on to be one. Consider where you are relating to your leadership style. If you believe that you may need to tweak this model, do so. Positive influences far outweigh negative ones. God’s light will always shine on you, regardless of leadership choices. However, the spotlight of leadership may just tell a different story. Be mindful!
Rev. M. Charlotte Oliver
