Ever had a conversation with someone and genuinely had the best intentions, but your words were flat-out misunderstood and misconstrued? Felt almost like the love, care, and emotions put into those words were tossed out and replaced with disrespect? Well… it happens to the best of us. We say something, and something else is heard. One of the reasons this happens is:
Your Personality.
A strong personality, as I love to put it, may be the reason. A strong personality, in this case, is an outward expression of certainty as a result of inward clarity.
This does not describe perfection in any way but rather explains a person who is regulated and disciplined. More so, it defines an individual who is aware of their abilities and shows confidence in them—an individual who exudes confidence in all they do. This strong personality is embedded in a leader; it is a powerful asset that helps them be decisive, make logical, sound judgments that are not easily influenced, and stand the test of time. Now, most people do not recognize this strong personality as a trait of leadership. What’s even sadder is that people who possess it often fail to recognize it themselves.
Before I proceed further, I must emphasize that a strong personality is not an excuse for bad character or outright rudeness. That is far from the type of person I am describing because, in my books, there is no excuse for bad behavior. This write-up speaks to genuine, respectable individuals with strong personalities.
Moving on—so, you see, the reason you may come off as rude when speaking to individuals older or higher in rank, despite having no such intention, is because you have this thing in you called a strong personality, which needs nurturing and regulation. Having this indication of leadership is not bad. But if you are in a follower’s position, your assertiveness may be perceived wrongly. On the other hand, if you are a leader, you may come across as proud.
This is where a teachable spirit comes in—the spirit of humility. You must be extra careful and conscious of your words, actions, and inactions. Ensure that when you communicate, your words and body language are in sync—saying one thing and meaning the same thing. Because, the sad reality is that society will seek to destroy what it fails to understand, and that, my dear, is you.
Strong personalities, confidence, intelligence, or an unusual perspective will always make some people uncomfortable—or worse, threatened. Much like a child who discards something valuable simply because they do not recognize its worth, people will reject or undermine your talents and potential, perceiving your confidence as being pushy or too forward.
But take solace in the fact that you are now aware and knowledgeable about how to regulate this trait. And hold on to the truth that, in good time, your nurturing and grooming phase will come to an end, and that voice inside of you will be louder than what society can ever gainsay.
To those in society who seek to destroy what they fail to understand, please come to terms with the fact that unconventional things can be good because they bring diversity. Don’t let your fixed mindset, driven by fear, insecurity, and ignorance, limit your growth. Be accommodating toward people with strong personalities. Help them understand who they are and what the Creator has called them to be. Refrain from shunning them; instead, guide and nurture them in the right direction.
My dear reader, my future leader, I write this to you. The next time you are made to feel out of place or accused of being rude when you had the best intentions, rejoice! Because you have been armed with knowledge your accusers could never have. I pray that God gives you clarity, and I pray you never subdue who you are for anything or anybody.
I can’t wait to hear your testimonies, because I am certain they will be great!
____________________ Amun Mercy Ruth is a creative enthusiast, guided by a personal philosophy of excellence. She ensures that everything she does is carried out to the best of her ability, with an unwavering commitment to achieving outstanding results in all her endeavors. Driven by a divine mission, she seeks to actualize God’s vision through her writing, inspire change and uncover untapped wisdom—revealing insights and truths that were once hidden beneath the surface. A lover of knowledge, Ruth is on a quest to seek new ways to grow and expand her understanding. Her passion lies in copywriting, marketing, poetry and voice-over, where she brings creativity to life in every form. A graduate of Covenant University with a BSc in Mass Communication, Public Relations and Advertising Major. With each step she takes and every word she crafts, she shapes a future where her creativity, purpose, and passion converge to inspire the world. Her journey just begun, yet the ripple effect of her influence will echo for generations to come. Contact Information E-mail: amunruth03@gmail.com LinkedIn: Amun Mercy Ruth
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