Meet my Great Aunt Gladys
She was a tiny woman with curls wound so tightly to her head they looked like they’d been installed with industrial strength glue. Joy was not her default setting. Her default tone was criticism and snippiness.
Every Christmas, we had to go and visit. For a 6‑year‑old Linda, it was a visit laden with expectations- perhaps a tad Victorian- be seen and not heard. Not my favourite thing at Christmas! No wonder.
One year, I couldn’t sit still any longer. I leapt up to practise my dance behind her sofa – pure childish exuberance and not getting in anyone’s way.
Quick as a flash, Great Auntie G from her chair: “Linda, sit down and stop showing off”.
Bottom lip trembling, I sat down. Hands folded. Dreams of Broadway crushed before they’d even begun.
The funny thing is, those words echo. “Showing off” became a warning siren in my head. And here’s the kicker: many leaders still hear it.
They hesitate to speak up, to celebrate wins, challenge others’ thinking, to bring energy into the room – worried they’ll look like they’re auditioning for Strictly Come Dancing.
But here’s the truth: leadership isn’t about showing off. It’s about showing up.
Showing up with ideas.
Showing up with courage.
Showing up with enthusiasm that might just be contagious.
So next time you feel the echo of my Auntie Gladys in your ear, remember: the workplace doesn’t need less joy.
It needs more leaders willing to show up, say it as it is and ignore the strident words and tone, tight curls, and all.