Unspoiled Soup

I visit Robin, my awesome hairdresser, every five weeks for my usual color, cut, and style appointment.  I don't do this because I am an overly-prissy, high-maintenance woman.  I do this because I have enough gray hair on my head to rival that of a ninety year old grandma, and Robin sees to it that no one ever finds this out (except that I just now gave away my secret, didn't I?  DOH!!).

I love my appointments with Robin, not only for the fact that she keeps my hair color age-appropriate, but also because she's warm and friendly, and a terrific listener.  Because my hair is thick and takes FOREVER to color, we have hours to discuss books we're reading, concerts we've attended, and all our big plans to become Hairdressers to the Stars (her) and New York Times Bestselling Authors (me). That's Robin in the picture on the right.  Isn't she pretty?

During my last appointment, we realized that her birthday is just a few days before mine, in April.  "Hey," Robin said, "that means you're an Aries, like ME!"  I laughed and told her I didn't believe in Astrology. This is partly due to the fact that the description for my "sign," Aries, couldn't be further from accurately describing me!

To prove my point, I went to astrology-online.com.  Here's an excerpt of what was written for Aries:

"Aries subjects are courageous leaders with a genuine concern for those they command...They do not make very good followers because they are too 'take charge.'"


Actually, if you were to ask me to give a description of the exact OPPOSITE of myself,  I would probably repeat this quote to you, word for word!  The truth is, I've NEVER been a good leader.  The few times that I've found myself in a leadership position, I've been extremely uncomfortable, and usually pretty ineffective.

I first noticed my lack of "take-charge" skills when, in my senior year of high school, I scored the highest at drill team try-outs, and therefore was made captain of the squad.  At first I was excited.  That's me in the picture on the right, in the left forefront.  These were our summer uniforms and you can just barely make out the letters spelling "CAPTAIN" on my sailor hat.  I thought the hat and the prestige of being drill team captain were AWESOME, but when it came time to actually run practices and choreograph routines, I quickly learned I was out of my league.

During my last job as a performer at Universal Studios, one of my responsibilities included training new girls into my role.  Fortunately for me, the girls they hired were exceedingly talented and needed very little instruction, because I was an abysmal trainer.  I'd hear myself say things like, "Do you think we should run it again?" or "Do you feel like you've got it now?"  Pathetic.  I was ridiculously uncomfortable and infinitely relieved when the whole process had concluded.

I used to be ashamed of my lack of leadership skills.  Being in charge means you are outgoing, confident, and organized.  Clearly, the only conclusion for me to draw, based on my bossy-deficient manner, was that I possessed none of these admirable traits.

But once, while performing in a production at a local theater (that's NOT me in rehearsal on the left.  It's the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. But I look a LOT like them, so...), I was approached by the choreographer at the opening night cast party.  He told me that I was a joy to have in his cast, and that I was one of the most professional people with which he'd ever worked. He pointed out that I always arrived prepared, having reviewed the dance numbers from the previous day and had them committed to memory for the following rehearsal.

He observed how, on breaks, I'd find a quiet corner and go through the steps he had just demonstrated. He said my questions during the learning process were always well-timed and intelligent, and helped the whole cast.  And then he thanked me for making his job so easy.

That's when it hit me.  I'm a really good follower.  I AM outgoing, confident, and organized, I just don't want to be in charge.  If I'm working for you and you tell me what to do, I will make it happen for you.  I will show up prepared and on time.  I won't call in sick.  Quite frankly, leaders need me!  Without me, they'd have no one to carry-out their plans or work their shifts.  I'm valuable!

Grandma Simmons used to say, "Too many chefs spoil the soup."  Meaning, you need ONE chef to create the recipe, and a whole bunch of COOKS to carry out the plan!  If too many chefs try to take charge, disaster is sure to ensue.

Hang around me for awhile.  I can assure you, your soup will ROCK (And there won't be any gray hairs in it, either!!)!!

What about you? Are you a leader?  A follower?  Either way, join me in embracing your awesomeness!!

Thanks for Reading!!