1.4 Reflection Blog: Lollipop Moment

[JacquelineKhan]

I agree with Dudley's comment about our greatest fear being underestimating the impact we can have on others. His idea of lollipop moments challenges the belief that leadership is only for a chosen few or requires extraordinary actions. Dudley's message empowers individuals to recognize their own leadership potential in everyday moments and interactions. By embracing our lollipop moments and acknowledging the influence we have on others, we can overcome the fear of not being good enough and make positive changes in the world around us.

I worked as a service consultant at a Lexus dealership in one of my previous lives for a little over 17 years. One of my elderly clients expressed concern about passing away before his wife did. He was worried about who would take care of her and the car-related decisions after he was gone. In response, I reassured him by placing both of my hands around his, looking him in both eyes, and I promised him I would always take care of his wife as if she were my very own grandmother, the same way I took care of him for several years. At that moment, I genuinely meant every word, although I didn't fully grasp the impact my gesture would have on my worried customer. It was something I did without even thinking. Later, my customer went home and told his wife about our conversation and wrote a heartfelt three-page letter expressing his gratitude for my kindness and the significant impact my simple act had on him to all of the ranking leaders at my dealership.

The lollipop moment at the car dealership was such a transformational experience for me. It taught me the incredible power that even a small act of kindness can have, and how essential it is to foster genuine connections with others. It also made me realize how important it is to be fully present and engaged in our interactions and to create a culture of care and compassion. Above all, it ignited a strong desire within me to continuously make a positive difference in the lives of those around me and try to be more aware of when I needed to make impactful gestures. It serves as a constant reminder that our actions can have significant and far-reaching effects, and by embracing empathy and leadership, we have the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change in the world.

Leadership can take on different forms, both conscious and unconscious. Conscious leadership involves deliberate actions and behaviors, while unconscious leadership happens from everyday interactions, showcasing the power of small gestures. I believe that individuals can be leaders even without realizing it, as their actions have the potential to inspire, influence, and shape the lives of others. Unconscious leadership fosters authenticity, inclusivity, and the ability to bring about positive change, challenging traditional notions of leadership. Recognizing the conscious and unconscious aspects of leadership helps us develop a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the various ways individuals can make a difference in the world around us.