Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not one to comment on tabloid news. However, I did read the gossip magazine and the incident that took place between the two icons stood out for me. Both of them household names in their own right - one an uncrowned queen on the Indian subcontinent making a name for herself here in the US and the other a celebrated comedian and talk show host. If you are unaware of the incident you can read it here
It is no big news, as it shouldn't be, particularly when Russia is invading Ukraine. However it touched some values I hold dear so I felt compelled to pen it down. Initially, I thought that it was another celebrity incident blown out of proportion by the media and perhaps Priyanka. However, as I think more about it, I do agree with Priyanka here. While an honest mistake on Rosie's part, it could have been handled a lot better.
An apology is not an apology if it is not sincere. When you are apologizing to a anyone and can't be bothered to get their name right, how is it considered an apology? You have just said "I am sorry xxx", however you have just slapped that person in her face with, I am too important or too busy to actually acknowledge you as a human being.
This brings me to two things that I value the most in a human being respect and humility. (Actually Integrity is pretty up there also but let's talk about these two today) -
Everyone is due respect, be it a public figure or not. When you are working with someone be it in your personal or professional life, take the time to get to know them or atleast acknowledge them for who they are. Sure respect at a certain level needs to be earnt. However, some basic respect is due to every individual irrespective of age, caste, color or creed. More power to you Priyanka for not taking it lying down and standing up for yourself. You need to respect yourself first to not take these minor transgressions in your stride and calling out a wolf for what it is - a wolf. Many a times you let these minor unintended slip ups pass and the next thing you know it is no longer minor.
It is also important to have humility in your daily dealings with others - particularly if you are a leader. You are a role model and people look up to you. You need to be mindful of that fact when you put yourself out there. There is a CEO I worked closely with, Dr. Marc Harrison. Today he heads up Intermountain Healthcare in Utah. I have not seen a more humble down to earth person in my life. In AUH he lead a hospital of greater than 3000 people. However, whenever you wanted to have a word with him, he made the time for you. More so, he took the time to get to know you. And when you spoke to him he gave 100% of his attention to the subject at hand. Working alongside him was a privilege and a class in textbook leadership.
Even in her rebuttal to Rosie's apology Priyanka showed humility. (Yes, I agree she has a good PR team, but the truth is at the end of the day she yet has to approve the message and the tone)
"I have never taken myself so seriously to think everyone would know who I am, or my work for that matter. But if you wanted to make a public apology for a very awkward private encounter, I think probably best to take the time to google my name before doing it or even try to reach out directly."
Bravo girl for speaking up about the incident. Now where this resonates with me, being a mother of two young girls I applaud Priyanka. Immense self-confidence even when you are not on your home turf and humility are two alluring qualities any mother would love her daughter to have. Especially as she goes out and makes a name for herself in the world. With a daughter getting ready to go to college, I often think about have I done enough to equip her for what life will eventually throw at her. All we can do is give them the tools and show them how to use them, the rest they will find their own role models and build their dynasties on their own.
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