Don't wait for a leader; become one yourself. by Caitlin

Don't wait for a leader; become one yourself. by Caitlin - December 2021 Scholarship Essay

“No, I have had enough. I quit!”
“You can’t quit. You’re fired!”
I take my waitressing apron off and walk out the door. Why is it that every time a man walks into the diner and harasses me, my male boss states “the customer is always right”?

Many people go through a situation like this. They get treated poorly and when they have had enough of it, they quit. Well, they attempt to. Their boss just fires them because it looks bad on our resume and their staffing. Many people change who they are just to please others. Many people have anxiety and depression because of moments like this. Why is this the norm in everyday jobs? Why do managers and bosses believe this is an appropriate way to treat their employees? I actually had an opportunity to be an assistant manager at a chain restaurant a few years back. My only goal was to showcase one trait to my employees and customers: open-mindedness.

To me, being open-minded allows me to understand the people around me. It challenges me to grow and be more optimistic. When I became more optimistic at work, my coworkers arrived at work on time and rarely called in sick. In fact, I had employees call in and ask if I was working. My coworkers felt safe when I was at work and only would collect their pay stub if I was the one who handed it to them. Going to work and collecting your paystub should not feel unsafe.

I can only hope and pray that my future career will have a leader as a boss. A leader who is open-minded. You have an issue? They talk to you about it. Do you feel unsafe? They will accept critiques and will strive to do better for you. Need to talk? They will have their doors open and will be approachable. Open-mindedness is not judging others. It is not putting themselves over you because of their rank or position. I hope I have a teacher who will change their teaching plan to make sure I understand the topic. Leaders will devour new life skills, and new opportunities will challenge them. However, they will grow stronger in the end. They are eager to learn. They are eager to listen. They are willing to change if need be.

One day, I will be a better leader than I have been in the past. It will all be because I have been open-minded. Things change daily. Many people deserve a boss who will stand up for them when they are being harassed by customers. Don't wait around to find them; become one yourself.