THAT Kind of Leader
Towards the end of Zumba tonight, the entire class of women noticed some guy staring in the window watching us dance. We laughed it of at first, assuming he'd go away. He didn't. Then, someone made a comment about how difficult it was becoming to feel comfortable dancing with some "creeper" peering in. She became pretty upset and actually left the class. Our amazing instructor kept us focused as she continued to lead.
Another song began and this guy walks into the class and stands in the back. No one knew why he was there and it was getting pretty awkward, I'm not gonna lie! He was pacing around the back of the room, looking at his phone. We finally arrived at the cool down when our instructor asked us if anyone knew there was a class after ours. One woman said she thought there might be a new class tonight, but wasn't sure. So our instructor wrapped up the cool down. The lights came on and she asked the man if there was a new class waiting to begin.
Hatefully, he snapped at her with a "Yes. And it was supposed to start at 7:00."
Our sweet instructor apologized to him, explaining that she's not used to another class at 7:00 on Tuesdays, and no one from the gym had informed her about it. As she's apologizing and trying to make it right, the new class members were filing in as the sweaty Zumba gals were making their way out. I was really disheartened by what I saw.
The people who'd been waiting to start the new class were already following their instructor's lead, and started attacking our Zumba instructor saying, "It's on the schedule. Maybe you should look at it." and other passive-aggressive comments.
A few things went through my mind...
I wanted to lash out. I wanted to punch the creeper/instructor in the face for staring at us through three songs and then being rude to her. I wanted to shout to that entire class "OH MY GOSH - GIVE HER A BREAK!!! IT WAS A SIMPLE MISUNDERSTANDING!!!" But I didn't. I didn't feel it was my place. Our leader handled it with grace and poise, setting a great example for her entire class.
The other instructor... well, I can't say the same for him. I realize it was a new class. I realize he felt pressure. I realize we ran 6 minutes late (for crying out loud). I realize they were ready to start and were tired of waiting. But his behavior did not set a good example for his students. He put his negative vibe out there and they absorbed it. It spread to his entire class and it was super toxic. It truly made me sick.
Rather than absorbing it and lashing back at him and his waiting class, I moved on. I knew our instructor had her part covered. She's professional. She's a great leader. She's confident. She's accountable. I'm sure she'll start checking the schedule each week going forward. And she set an amazing example for her class.
This is how I want to lead! This is how I want to affect others! This is the kind of person I want to be around! This girl is good company and SHE ROCKS!
Bitterness never draws us closer to God, to others, nor sets a good example to follow. Bitterness is a non-productive, toxic emotion, usually resulting from resentment over unmet needs.
Despite the atmosphere around you, you can enjoy life and live it abundantly when you submit to a soul detox. Put up your boundaries, know what to say and when to say it, and keep pursuing your dreams. Rise above the drama and the passive-aggressive thoughts, words, and behaviors! Inspire others to be more loving, more forgiving, more kind, more generous, more happy, more uplifting, more respectful, more patient, more courageous, and more wise!
Be THAT kind of leader!
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