The Courage of Being an Oddball
Oddball Leaders are not for everybody, even though they’re FOR everybody.
I sometimes wonder if I was just built for Oddball Leadership. Like, naturally.
I’ve always been frigg’n weird. It’s part of my mass appeal (don’t lie to yourself — I am a ✨delight✨), and it has also attracted a few bullies and detractors. But hey, that’s show business, baby.
Marching to the beat of my own off-tempo drum for nearly 40 years has forged me into the unapologetically authentic leader I am today.
And the weirdness pays off, people.
My team shows up as their full, glorious selves.
We express our emotions without shame.
We treat one another with sweetness and grace — because that’s how Oddball Leaders roll.
But here’s the thing: sometimes the oddness is a bit much for others in your workplace — and unfortunately, from a swath of personal experiences, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way.
THE STING OF UNRECIPROCATED REGARD
Experience has taught me that I am not everyone’s cup of tea — whether it’s on the playground or in the cubicle farm.
I’ve accepted this reality: the price of leading with authenticity is sometimes being the target of someone’s unearned disdain.
So what do you do when the pettiness of grown-ass adults — their insecurity sparked by your mere existence — derails progress and poisons the air?
What do you do when someone actually says, “I wouldn’t have acted like that if Bri wasn’t there!” after showing their whole ass in a meeting?
When a future coworker who has only ever heard about you tries to dig up “dirt” to discredit you?
When someone who used to work with you writes a multi-page screed to your boss about how unfit you are — before the two of you even start working together again?
When someone with hiring power boots you from a job you love because, simply, they don’t like you?
You give them the Oddball Leader treatment.
You treat them with sweetness and kindness.
You show them empathy.
You listen. You help.
Not because you’re better — but because you’re an Oddball Leader.
Not because they deserve it — but because that’s the right way to be.
BEING FOR THEM, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT FOR THEM
No, it’s not fair.
It’s not fair that kindness can be met with contempt. It’s not fair that people who seek your guidance can also secretly wish you’d fail.
It’s not fair, and sometimes it fries my beans!!!
But then I remember: fairness was never the point.
Oddball Leadership isn’t about fairness — it’s about faithfulness to your principles and those around you.
It’s Belonging when others sow division.
It’s Gratitude when others offer envy.
It’s Curiosity when others jump to judgment.
It’s Joy when others cling to bitterness.
And I know it’s hard! You don’t even have to tell me! I live it every dang day! But, I’m an Oddball Leader, and I’m committed.
I was built for this.
SLOUGHING OFF THE HATERISM
Recently, I was asked what it would look like if I led the department I’m currently in — and how I’d treat those who disparage me (yes, leadership and HR know the tea).
My answer was simple:
“No differently than any other individual I’ve led.”
There’d be times where saying that (and meaning it) would be really hard. I’m not going to say it’d be easy. But the fact remains.
I would still care for the haters.
I would still advocate for them.
I would still work to make sure they feel seen, valued, and fulfilled.
Not because I’m saintly, or naive. And definitely not because they’ve earned it.
But because that’s what Oddball Leaders do:
We love without permission.
We lead without bitterness.
We find belonging in ourselves, and we create it for others — even the ones who can’t see it yet.
PARTING WORDS
Being an Oddball Leader is hard. It’s not fair. You bless those who curse you.
But do not be deterred. Do not be discouraged.
Because in the end, the Oddball Way always works. Maybe not fast. Maybe not flashy. But it works — and it will change the room for everyone — even those that don’t take kindly to Oddball Leaders.
