Wally’s take on the bullying was to just ignore them, but that tactic didn’t work, for the boys always wanted to see me cry, and I did a lot of that. Maybe that is why I was never physically hurt much because I was already crying and they felt they had proved their point.
Speaking of bullies, Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, has all the markings of a bully. It looks like she is hiding behind her religion to justify her position which has enabled her to bully others by refusing to do her job.
I don’t see any mercy in her actions. As civil servants, it is our job to serve the people regardless of their lot in life. Anything short of that and we are getting in the way of people moving on with their lives.
I don’t know what it is about power that goes to someone’s head. I’ve seen the nicest people on a one to one basis, you couldn’t have a better friend. When they get into a position of authority then bam the fecal matter hits the fan! They become tyrannical.
I was introduced to authority( and power ) in Toastmasters. Shortly after becoming a member I was asked to lead a meeting. I told them I didn’t know how. The reply was just to go for it and when I got stuck, ask, and I would be told what to do next.
The aspect that humbled me was how the meeting stopped and started at my command and yet I was the servant of all. The members gave me input and I made the decision what to do with it. It was an
awesome learning experience!
Toastmasters showed me my leadership potential. Today each situation has its own rules of conduct in order to improve the quality of life for those involved.
That is what good leadership does, they consult with the team, get input, then make the final decision. Good leadership does not bully nor does it seek power, for the power is freely given by the membership.