So, over the past couple of weeks I've found myself in a leadership role. It's unpaid, but a lot of fun and very satisfying. It suprises me that i've taken to it like I have, because of my extreme discomfort in my own skin and complete lack of self esteem. I've always thought the best leaders had to be at least a bit narcissistic, but maybe not.

So are you a leader, a boss, a honcho of some sort? How do you reconcile that level of exposure with your body dysphoria?

Basically, I try to lead by example. I'm not the most vocal person nor do I see the spotlight. I've even had people tell that I'm a leader though I don't consider myself to be one.

Gennee

I have a weird position - I work in a school where I am essentially a teacher's caddy and as such have a very junior role on the staff, almost invisible. However, I do have a lot of the day to day interaction with the children and so as an adult am a leader to them. I try and make sure I deal with those children fairly and respectfully, not everyone does.

I always seemed to end up in the number two spot - assistant to the leader.  Even in the military, when I got promoted I would get transfered to a junior position.  

Like Gennee, I have lead more through example than directly.  I have served on the board of my church for seven years but never as the chair.  (No thank you.)  So leadership yes; boss no.

- Kate