By: Reggie Collier
There are obvious character traits that successful leaders should possess. We know that leaders should be hard-working and tenacious, that they should be self-motivated and have good problem-solving skills, and that they should be confident and move with integrity. Of course, these character traits helped me build the Reggie C. Fitness community, and they have helped me to motivate and guide hundreds of women towards centering health and wellness in their lives, and, therefore, changing their lives completely as a result. But there are many other important character traits that good leaders should develop in addition to the ones listed above, including self-accountability, a desire to serve, and a continuous openness to trying, failing and learning.
One characteristic people rarely discuss when talking about leadership is self-reflection and self-accountability. My dream of becoming a personal trainer, transformation coach and fitness community owner began with me being unsatisfied with my own health. I noticed after college that I was becoming less active and that I carried some bad eating habits into my adult life. I realized that even though I wanted to change my health, and become more active, it was hard to figure out how to go about doing it. There was so much information about health and fitness out there, and I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to begin and I kept self-sabotaging, which meant I was pushing my health goals further and further away. I realized that if I was really going to transform my life, I needed to dig into my shortcomings and become committed to changing my own bad habits. This process required a great deal of self- reflection and holding myself accountable when I fell short. I knew that my rough start towards better health was common, and I knew that I wanted to make the road to better health easier for others—especially women of color who struggle to find the kind of support they need as they incorporate consistent diet and exercise into their lives.
A desire to help others is another important trait that leaders need. Every good leader that I’ve studied who has had long-term success, sought to be good servants in their families and communities first. I could have approached my goal towards building RC Fitness by centering tough coaching and pushing my clients hard to achieve their fitness goals, but I wanted—instead— to approach building my business by tapping into the real issues that are usually connected to health and fitness challenges, especially for women. Too often, women of color especially, put themselves last and often don’t have the support they need to make necessary health changes in their lives. New clients at RC Fitness are always asked to attend an initial meeting where they can meet our staff—many of whom started their own health and fitness journeys with me during the early days of my studio and have gone one to complete transform their bodies and their overall health. Meeting our staff and coaches also sets an important example for potential clients, letting them know that their health and fitness goals are possible. I also make sure that my fitness center is open and inclusive to everyone, regardless of where their health is when they begin their journey. I’m committed to meeting my clients where they are, and offering them an authentic support system; we never talk what we don’t walk. RC Fitness is really a family, and I couldn’t have created this family if my intention wasn’t to listen to the needs of my clients and make sure that I am able to serve them in whatever ways they need.
Lastly, being a good leader means that one must be teachable and be open to trying, failing and trying again. I’ve been reflecting on this character trait a lot lately, with the world being turned upside down by COVID-19. Many businesses won’t survive the necessary stay-at-home orders implemented by state and local government and the sure economic downturn that has come as a result of shutdowns. Gyms and fitness centers have been hit extremely hard. Of course, Reggie C Fitness has been affected by COVID-19, and we have had to completely change the way we are approaching our coaching and training commitments. One way we pivoted, when we were unable to see and train our clients face to face was to lend them the equipment they needed to continue to train with us independently and virtually. We also had to quickly pivot towards offering training and support online, as opposed to face-to-face training, which interrupted the way our community usually thrives. As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Houston, I am constantly studying how to serve our clients and keep them safe. Doing so requires trying new things, figuring out what works and what doesn’t, being fluid and being innovative. I am a student in this moment much more than I’m a trainer and coach, relearning what it means to lead my RC Fitness family during this difficult time.
If you’d like more information about the RC Fitness community, follow us throughout social media on Facebook, and Instagram. If you’re interested in online training with us, log on to our website here.
