There I was… I had on my favorite power heels with power suit to match, and an “I’ve got this” attitude. And then… Alabama happened.

The humidity hit me like I’d opened the oven on broil, my hair frizzed up like a Q-tip and sweat started rolling. And just when I thought I could power through, I tripped on my pants hem entering the building and stumbled straight into a potted plant that did not appreciate my entrance... in front of EVERYONE checking in for this event.

Y’all. That's when I realized: Control is an illusion. God’s humor is way funnier than mine will ever be. And I need better hair products.

Polish ≠ Prepared:

Prior to my bungled entrance, I thought I looked the part, spoke the part, and had it all under control. But the truth is, leadership (and life) doesn’t care how polished you look if you can’t pivot gracefully when life trips you up… or the humidity turns your 'do into a big ol' don't.

We spend so much time trying to present the “perfect” version of ourselves at work and in our communities, that we forget leadership isn't about perfection. It’s about presence. It's not about having it all together. It's about keeping it together when things go sideways.

Adaptability > Appearance:

What I learned, once I peeled myself off the hydrangea bush and limped to the check-in table, is that people don’t remember your perfect entrance. They remember how you made them feel when you laughed at yourself and rolled with the moment.

I made some truly authentic connections that day. People didn't care about the power heels or my speech (okay, maybe a few folks commented on them, especially the heels). Instead, they related to a gal who literally face planted (plant and all) and owned it with humor. And let me tell you: nothing builds trust faster than someone saying, “Girl, same. That happened to me last week at Publix.”

The Leadership Lesson:

Control is comforting (and believe me, I struggle with not having it), but it’s not real. Humility, flexibility, and humor? Those are real. Those are powerful. True leaders understand that their strength isn’t in being untouchable, it’s in being approachable. It’s in laughing at the chaos and showing others that you can lead with heart, even when your pants are betraying you.

So the next time you feel tripped up, metaphorically or literally, remember this:

You don’t have to be flawless.

You do have to be human.

And sometimes the best way to lead is to laugh, adjust, and keep walking, frizz and all.

Now excuse me while I go invest in some flats… just in case.

#JustSayin

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