Lessons from the Leading “Midterm” Ladies

By: Dr. Hayes- Log 1

“It was ladies night and we did alright…oh what a night!”  I don’t know about you, but even in disappointment, I am ecstatic to see that we are not only destined to win but capable of winning.  History has taught us that as long as you continue to show up…things will begin to shift and align in your favor.  Progress is made possible only because we continue to proceed despite the gravity of our challenges. We didn’t win everything but we still won big.

LEADERSHIP LESSON #1:  CONTINUE TO SHOW UP!

Across this country, “women leaders”, “leading ladies”, “ladies leading in politics” broke boundaries and shattered ceilings above glass ceilings in this midterm election.  In Houston alone, 17 beautiful, bold and brilliant women dared to do something historical.  The city and those of us in surroundings counties gleaned inspiration from the collective brilliance that these ladies displayed on the campaign trail, specifically the one captivating photo that illustrated beauty in a way that we’d never seen before.  Perhaps one of their greatest campaign decisions was that they stood together and painted for us a clear picture…that for everyone but especially women of color our power is in our partnership.

LEADERSHIP LESSON #2: BETTER TOGETHER!

 Equally as stunning was the caliber of first that will now resonate in greatness across Congress.  We’ve seen the photo collage circulating social media but have you stopped and read it out loud.  This midterm election elected its FIRST: Muslim Woman (2 actually), it first two Native American Women, it’s first LATINX woman from Texas, it’s first Lesbian mother, and the youngest woman ever to be elected to Congress.  Massachusetts also elected the first Black Woman to Congress; while, New York elected its first Black Attorney General.  To think that in 2018 we are still celebrating this level of “FIRST” is both astonishing and compelling.  Above all else, the beauty in this diverse election of political leadership means one thing for certain…new stories will be told.

LEADERSHIP LESSON #3: DIVERSITY IS POWERFUL!

For me, perhaps one of the most inspiring characters in this entire midterm election is the leading lady from Georgia, Stacy Abrams, who as of this morning, is still pressing forward in her bid for a runoff election.  In a refusal to concede in the Georgia governor’s race, she has promised and is demanding that EVERY SINGLE VOTE be counted in a state that disgustingly exuded voter suppression tactics at levels unimaginable but not surprising.  She battled perhaps the most obvious example of “interest conflict” known to “WOMAN” but her resilience continues to push her toward change.  She has maintained a stern gentleness, brilliant boldness and intelligent influence throughout this campaign period.  She reminds us that we can be all these things even in the face of an uphill battle.

LEADERSHIP LESSON #4: FIGHT FOR RIGHT ANYWAY!

I was going to launch this new weekly leadership log at the start of 2019 but the energy from last week’s midterms was far too contagious. So, I didn’t fight the urge that arose from the organic motivation that the election sparked.  Politics may not be our corner of purpose but the Leadership Lessons from the players who stepped up to entice change was masterful.  Grab your KEEY to a better you and let these leadership lessons lead you. #iamKEEY #youareKEEY #weareKEEY

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Wykesha Hayes, Ph.D.