My concern isn't about a disorder or anything, it just has to do with emotions. I am captain of a police explorer post. I have been captain since last December. We hold banquets every December, and all the ranks can be switched around. Our post advisors decide who will be what before the banquet, and we don't know what will happen until that moment at the banquet. Ok, my problem is... I love being a leader. When I first started out, I was pretty shy and didn't like the idea of being in charge, but since then I've come to be fairly good at leading. I also love doing it. I was a very shy person all through school, and this program has helped me GREATLY. I just don't know how I will handle the situation if my leadership position is taken away. It's about a 50:50 chance I think. I have grown so attached to this idea that I can actually speak up and lead things, that it will be EXTREMELY hard not to have that title anymore. I know that a title doesn't mean anything, and I could still be a leader without being captain, but then I think there would be problems with me challenging the captain's authority. The way explorers works, what the captain says goes, you don't usually question that. At the beginning of my time with the post, I would have loved nothing more than to give someone else the captain position, because I hated having to lead and speak up all the time. So I don't know what to do right now. I am really stressed out about it. I know to some people I may seem like a control freak, but I'm really not. I just discovered that I don't have to be shy and walked all over, and that was a big step to figure that out. This may not seem like a big deal to some people, but it is to me. I had a very rough time growing up at home, and at school. When I finally discovered what my leadership potential is, I was really overwelmed with happiness. Does anyone have any advice to help me deal if this position gets taken away next month??? I would appreciate anything that might help. Thanks.

First, you should worry about things when they happen and not before they happen. If there's a 50/50 chance that you may lose/keep this position, you might be the one to keep it. Don't worry and get stressed out yet.

Second, if you do lose the job, you still have gained a lot that will help you in the future. You've learned that you don't have to be shy and walked all over. That is rewarding in itself. Being too shy can make a person feel so insecure, so overcoming that makes you a true winner, regardless.

It sounds like you have a great future ahead of you!

If the other individual happens to be chosen as leader, my best advice is not to challenge the authority. Leaders lead by example; is this the example you would want to set?

I believe these to be some of the best leadership principles I have read. They are written for companies, but have broader applications.

Schwarzkopf on Leadership

Thanks for the advice. I will keep you posted on if I get the position again or not. You'll probably be seeing me venting on here if I don't get it. Thanks again!

Also Sarah, look at it from another perspective...If they select another person to be in that position, it is because they have seen the same potential in that person that they obviously saw in you when you were chosen. And that person is partially who THEY have become because of YOUR leadership. A big part of being a leader is the ability to train and develop your subordinates - and then show pride when they excel.

Also, a new leader will need your support and encouragement, and are sure to look to you for advice. A former captain will always be looked to with respect, especially when their primary concern is the success of the team.

As Fuse said, you seem to have quite a future ahead of you! Good luck Sarah, and be sure to let us know!

Thanks gizmogram, that really helped. You made me realize I will still be respected because of my former position. Who knows, if someone new is chosen, I may get the position back in a year or two. If I keep the position, I'll try to make myself an even better leader from the experience. Thanks gizmogram and everyone. I'll let you all know what happens!

There is something to be said for being a second fiddle: you can learn what you will change when you become first violinist. Moral: stale leadership is not good leadership.