Does more leadership = more labor?

As women and femmes, it 100% makes sense that leadership and labor are conflated, and I have a theory as to why…

Because for most of us, we KNOW we are leading even when others don’t.

Along with alllll the other skills, capacities, wisdom and intelligence we bring….

We are also often the ones reading the room, making sure people have what they need, carrying the mental and emotional load… literally tracking across dimensions.

All of that is labor. It’s work.

But because “women’s work” (I loathe that term, btw) and “soft skills” have been historically devalued, that labor isn’t always seen – let alone seen as leadership. And as a result, we don’t always get the respect, honor, and support we need.

Here’s the thing: 
I vehemently unsubscribe from the notion that more leadership inherently means more labor…especially for women in midlife and beyond.

First, because we have given so much.
It’s not that we have nothing left to give – we do, and for most of us, we must. It’s because we can’t keep laboring more-bigger-harder-faster and be well. Our bodies and spirits and brains are showing us that.

Second, because we are actually designed for a different form of leadership.
We are in a place in our lives where we are TRULY meant to be the leaders of our families, communities, and world. But it’s not through hustling harder; it’s through seeing what’s needed, expressing it, and rallying others to move in a good way. 

Our wisdom is needed.
Our vision is needed.
Our voices are needed.
Our gifts are needed.

AND,
We need support.

Join us inside Devotional Leadership if this resonates with you.

Devotional Leaedership is a community for US – women in midlife who care deeply about this world and our collective thriving, and who know our gifts are needed and it’s time.

I hope you’ll join us!

With love,
Nisha