(If you’re not sure… this post might be for you.)
🐾 Cats Don’t Carpool: The Leadership Blog Series
Herding Cats, Managing Chaos, and Leading with Less Hiss
Let’s be honest: every workplace has a Diva.
But what happens when you realize… the Diva might be you? 😼
Before you start dramatically flipping your mane and denying it, hear me out.
Being a Diva isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Diva leaders are passionate, visionary, and unapologetically driven. They make things happen. They walk into the room, and you feel it.
But — and this is where the fur gets interesting — when confidence crosses into control, or when charisma becomes chaos, it can create ripple effects that leave the team exhausted rather than inspired.
So how do you tell the difference?
Let’s take a paws (pun absolutely intended) for some Diva self-reflection.
🪞 1. Do You Need the Spotlight, or Do You Need to Be Heard?
There’s nothing wrong with loving the spotlight — Divas often thrive there.
But there’s a difference between sharing vision and hogging airtime.
Ask yourself:
- Do I dominate discussions, or invite others in?
- Do I feel restless when I’m not the center of attention?
- Can I let someone else shine without feeling invisible?—and this is where the fur gets interesting—when confidence crosses into control, or when charisma becomes chaos, it can create ripple effects that leave the team exhausted rather than
💡 Reflection cue: You might not need less spotlight — just more balance. Share the mic and elevate your chorus.
🐾 2. Do You Inspire Energy or Exhaust It?
Divas bring sparkle, but also storms.
Check your team’s energy after meetings — do they leave motivated or mentally drained?
💡 Reflection cue: If people seem tired after every brainstorming session, it may be time to trade intensity for intentionality.
🎭 3. Are You Performing or Leading?
Divas are masters of presentation — and that’s a gift. But leadership requires authenticity, not just performance.
💡 Reflection cue: Are you being genuine with your team, or just playing your role as “the strong one”
Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s your most powerful encore.
💅 4. Do You Delegate… or Dictate?
Micromanagement is a Diva’s worst costume change.
If you find yourself re-doing your team’s work “because it’s faster,” you might be stifling trust instead of building it.
💡 Reflection cue: Empowerment looks good on everyone — not just the star of the show.
🧭 5. Are You Self-Aware Enough to Laugh About It?
The healthiest Divas know their tendencies — and own them with humor and humility.
If you can say, “Yeah, I can be a handful sometimes,” you’re already halfway to growth.
💡 Reflection cue: Self-awareness is your best accessory. It goes with everything.
🐈 Final Meows
Being a Diva leader isn’t the problem — losing perspective is.
Channel that big energy, but keep empathy as your co-star.
Lead with passion, not performance.
And remember: your team doesn’t need you to dim your light — they just need room to shine, too.
📘 Cats Don’t Carpool: They Come in Their Own Accord explores how to lead with humor, humanity, and a little self-reflection — fur included.