Great leaders must have non-negotiables. Great leaders positively impact others by cultivating, supporting, and developing. In discerning the traits and behaviors of the most successful people, there is no scarcity of information on the topic.
A non-negotiable is almost self-explanatory. The easiest way to describe this is never giving up on your core values. As a leader, in whatever role you play, your non-negotiable is enforced no matter what happens. It is there, so it will never break, will never fail, and will keep you in line with your integrity. A famous quote I have heard states that “if you don’t stand for anything, you’ll fall for everything.” Every prominent leader that we know of has non-negotiables.
The most important part about a non-negotiable is that it aligns with who you are as a person. Make sure that it aligns with who you are and how you carry yourself. Having a non-negotiable gives you a sense of purpose in life.
Those who do not know what they want or what they stand for cannot fill the void in their hearts. Men need to have purpose and a mission; women also need core values that never wither under pressure. The goal is critical because it allows you to lead your dreams with enthusiasm.
Who is Dorothy Enriquez
Dorothy Enriquez is a third culture kid who loved fashion, gal pal bonding, learning, and leadership. Dorothy has found her written works on confidence, competence, and closing the leadership gap in Forbes, Training Industry Magazine, The BOSS Network.
Dorothy is known for her practical communication skills, ‘edutaining’ leadership courseware, and interactive programs. A 15-year veteran of Corporate America, wielding multiple certifications (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Emergenetics, Situational Leadership & Breakthrough Performance) and a master’s degree in Human Communication. She strives to make transformative development accessible.
What is Dorothy’s Non-Negotiable?
When I was interviewing Dorothy, it was clear that I fell in love with her non-negotiable. Sure, I’ve heard it on another podcast before, but when she said it to me, it was reassuring, and you can tell she believes in it with her whole heart.
So if you haven’t heard it, it is “Lead in every seat you sit in.” That means that you have a leadership role as a daughter, a mother, a brother, a cousin, a husband, or a wife. No one’s role is more important than the other. To every person, you should have a ripple effect on how you lead them in life.
There are days you might not have the tenacity or the energy to be that leader. However, you need to keep in mind that you are not just responsible for yourself; you are responsible for the point that you put out into the world and for those that you impact. This basis does not mean that being a leader means taking care of another person or being their main confidant. It means that your life should have so much meaning that everybody that comes into your life gets a ripple effect from the energy and the leadership that you provide them.
If you are a young kid, it can be something as simple as picking up the groceries for your mom. It can be as simple as taking out the garbage or doing the dishes. If you’re a father, you can lead by example on how to treat women, work hard and execute with brilliance, or have values that align with your mission, vision, leadership practice, and how you want to show up in the world.
You have more power than you think in life, and Dorothy’s non-negotiable should be a lesson to take, You’re required to lead from in every seat you sit in.’
