Affirmation

I successfully cornered Elvis today. I've been a big girl these last few months and haven't asked for any kind of feedback (positive or negative) from the chief execs. I figured that no news was good news and the true test was if I decided FOR MYSELF what I was going to do, then figured out a way to make it happen.

When you're constantly asking for permission, you don't necessarily brand yourself as a leader. In fact, it shows that you're a follower because you're always awaiting direction. Once I figured that out, I decided to DO everything I could and ask for forgiveness later. As it happens, I haven't had to ask for forgiveness and have only received accolades from EVOO.

But I'm starting to feel severely overwhelmed. Like, cracking at the seems, not sure where to start. I took a tally of every project I'm participating in, every team I'm chairing, and every initiative I'm spearheading and I came up with 14. That's an awful lot, especially at this point in my career. I keep telling myself that if I can be an extra set of hands, it will benefit St. Fozzie's and Muppet Corporation.

When I found myself sitting in my office, hands gripping my hair by the roots, I knew it was time to ask for help. I found Elvis and asked for a meeting. He made time for me right then and there.

I blurted out my frustration. I told him about the strange need I have to achieve and that I was about killing myself trying to attend every high-level meeting AND still carry out these 14 tasks satisfactorily. I want to do a perfect job in each endeavor, but I'm running out of hours in the day.

I explained that I was going to drop meetings A, B, and F because I needed to prioritize. I asked for affirmation because I did not want Elvis or EVOO thinking I was slacking or wasting even one day of my time at St. Fozzie's. He then explained that Jim Henson called yesterday, inquiring about my progress and tenure at St. Fozzie's. Elvis said he and EVOO were plotting ways to keep me at St. Fozzie's (despite severe budgetary restrictions). Jim Henson interpreted the fact that they want to keep me to mean I'm earning my stripes. All three of their opinions mean a great deal to me and as much as I avoided seeking affirmation, their support is fabulous.

I have no idea what this all means, but I'm completely thrilled that Muppet Corporate may decide to hang onto me.