Leaders Need Applause, Too
I am still waiting for the public to demand my return…that is, to the community theater stage. (I’m second from the right in the photo). Yep, I’ve yet to hear from my fans since 1987. My theatrical debut as Jeffrey Meredith in John Patrick’s The Curious Savage was indeed a turning point in my life. I’ve often shared as an ‘ice breaker’ my story about going from the comfort zone of my apartment to the stage. Upon entering the auditorium, my goal was to work on sets and props. I could meet others, do some good work, and remain quietly behind the curtain. But, as often happens in life, what happens is not what you expect to happen. An animated and commanding director immediately welcomed me and insisted I play the role of Jeffery Meredith. I declined. He insisted. I declined. He physically led me to the stage. I gave in. I never regretted a moment for the next few weeks. I fell in love with the cast, the role, the audiences. And, the truth is, I loved the applause.
I've since realized that the practical step—getting off my couch, driving to the theater, and stepping out of my comfort zone—was often missing. We don't see it is the inner motivation that propels us forward. We are often on autopilot when it comes to this. Years later, it is now even more apparent that the internal motivation to go from 'doing nothing' to 'get up and go' attitude was essential to making a change.
How Many of You Seek Applause?
Go ahead. Admit it. We all want to be recognized, rewarded and respected for our work. It is not a selfish need. Instead, it’s an act of natural human need and a reminder of the importance of support. My role as Jeffrey Meredith reminded me of the significance of applause. Every night as I left the theatre, I could hear the applause for hours ringing in my head. This excited me to return to the next evening with an attitude of channeling my performances into something that the audience would enjoy. Each night, the play ended with me finally being able to remove my hand from my face and place the piano. Similar to the crashing of the plane that landed me in the asylum, so too did the closing of the show's run. It was night 16. I had no place to go. My theatrical world came to an end. It was not easy to transition back to the real world. I missed the applause.
5 Tips for Dealing with Transition
I admit that the first few post-production days were challenging. No one shared that acting is different or that the ending of a play can be punishing. Life did resume once the show ended. I got busy focusing my efforts on building a children’s theatre. If you find yourself in a similar situation, whether it be the ending of a play, the end of a relationship, or the change of a career, here are some suggestions:
1. Ask. Use the ending period to ask yourself how you got to this particular place and time.
2. Pause. Take two steps back before taking a step forward.
3. Clarify. Be clear on what you want to do in life.
4. Intend. Thinking is not enough; you need to use visual and verbal reminders for yourself and others. I often say ‘put people on notice’ of your intentions—that will surely garnish support from others.
5. Magnify. You need to ‘shine your light’ as a leader. But you also need light to be shined through you, much like a magnifying glass. Others will embrace your passion and be warmed by the light you are shining and absorbing.
Present day. 2020. I fast forward more than 30 years and continue to work hard to coach and mentor others so they too can enjoy the applause. My motto is never to stop doing good and necessary work that earns you applause. But, relying only on your looks, talents, or goals alone will lead to loneliness at the top. To be an effective leader, you must remain true to your inner passion, purpose, and collaborative goals of your followers and other stakeholders.
About Dr. Rick Arrowood
Dr. Rick Arrowood has taught in undergraduate and graduate education for three decades, held high-level leadership positions in nonprofit organizations and published numerous articles and research studies. He has given keynote speeches and presented on various subjects of nonprofit management and leadership in the USA, Australia, China, Russia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Malaysia, and the Netherlands (The Hague). His academic areas include nonprofit management, law, global leadership, human resource management, and financial management. He holds several professional certifications in cultural competency, intercultural effectiveness, and leadership practices. He attained a Juris Doctor from Massachusetts School of Law, North Andover, Massachusetts, and a Doctor of Law and Policy from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.
Previously, former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick credited him as a change agent in leading a grassroots effort to attain a legislative mandate providing the first-ever pioneering state-wide registry later replicated nationwide for individuals living with Lou Gehrig’s disease overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Environmental Division.
