Center Stage
Are you being called to step up and lead? Historically, men are the ones selected to take charge, but history has proven women are great leaders as well. “We need to change the perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead,” - Beyonce
Recently, I was in the city for an in-the-round musical performance. It was a dinner theater show titled, Cabaret Zazou Luminaire. The description read, “An unrivaled immersive experience where comedy, music, cirque, and a gourmet meal converge.”
The theater held around 300 people, so it was relatively intimate. The three friends I shared the experience with had gone last year and wanted to see the new show. They also commented on we were in the perfect place to sit. There were three levels and we were in the area just beyond the main floor. The ladies ensured we were in the best spot not to be called up on stage … excellent news!
Before the show began, the performers were working the crowd and one gentleman kept returning to our table. He specifically asked Elaine her name more than a few times. She mentioned she had a bad feeling …. Haha.
Throughout the evening the host called a handful of people from the audience on stage to complete the acts. Most of which, I might add, were pulled directly in front of where we were sitting. Each time we weren’t chosen there was a sigh of relief and felt we narrowly escaped ... PHEW! Fast forward through appetizers, salad and the main course. The host, also known as Forte, started telling a story of his long lost wife as he headed in our direction, and straight toward Elaine.
He grabbed her hand and navigated through the crowd until she was on center stage and everyone, including our table was cheering her on with gusto. She was on stage for what seemed like a lot longer than I would have preferred but she was a champ. She performed well and received several rounds of applause, and in the end a standing ovation. Although she had no desire to volunteer, she was freaking fantastic!
After the show, several people stopped and congratulated her for a job well done. I believe someone even asked for her autograph. She commanded the crowd and led like a champion. It was a fun night and Elaine’s performance made it memorable. Although, my story may not be typical of a stepping up tale, it certainly provided her with the decision to lead. She could have refused but she accepted the challenge.
Some benefits of stepping up to lead:
Challenges us to dig into our untapped knowledge and creativity
Personal growth happens when we dare to lead
Life is a beautiful sum of all our experiences
Increases our self-confidence
Builds new relationships
What happens when we step outside our comfort zone and dare to lead? We grow, we expand, we face our fears, we have the courage to be an example to others, and we have the opportunity to shine; illuminating the way for others.
Elaine was called to lead and she stepped up to the plate and landed on center stage. She didn’t back down, she rose to the occasion and brilliantly lead the crowd. “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader,” - Dolly Parton. The next time you’re asked to lead and find yourself on center stage, what will you do? Be courageous, then take a bow.
xoxox…..Sheryl
PS … Lainey, thanks for daring to lead and have the courage to take center stage!
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