I Got Called into the Office............

................and I didn't even do anything!  Seriously, though, it's quite disconcerting to have someone say, "Do you have a minute?" and then have them lead you into their office and lock the door behind you after you've entered.

My older sisters would laugh to read this, but it seems that I have a reputation as a mediator.  A calm voice in the storm as it were.  Apparently, my counsel is sought by people on both sides of an issue because my thoughts are viewed as intelligent and unbiased.  I seem to make others feel at ease, and I have the ability to show others how a seemingly-impossible situation can be a win-win for all involved.  Or, at least, a NOT lose-win situation.

The art of compromise.

Not something with which I was gifted as a child.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  I was an award winning manipulator, as youngest children can be.  As the years went by, however, I learned that manipulating was no way to win over people.  I cultivated the art of contemplation.  I studied before uttering.  As I approached my 40s, I noticed that I also rejected my extroverted nature and embraced my inner introvert.  So imagine my surprise when I was told by a former supervisor that I was a "leader."  Me?  A leader?  No way.

She said to me, "You are a true leader.  You lead from within."

Huh?

I was clueless what she meant by that.......but a few years later, I understood what she meant.  And I learned to embrace it.

Which leads me to the "locked door" conference I just had with a professional associate, someone with whom I work in my volunteer endeavors.  A person whose opinion I respect, even when I disagree with her.

This person lead me into the locked office and shared her confidence in me for being the port in the storm, the voice of reason amidst the cacophony of clamoring voices.

I guess it's not so bad being the rock in the hurricane.

A river in a time of dryness 

A harbour in the tempest