#Benefits of Leadership Training

[aipuconnects]

Shaping the Future of Human Resource Leadership

The Global Council of HR Leaders (GCHR) serves as a platform for HR professionals worldwide to collaborate, share knowledge, and lead the evolution of human resource management and leadership.

[pragatileadershipindia]

The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Leadership Success

[coachannatan]

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀: 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 Are you looking for ways to develop your leadership skills? Leadership training programs offer a variety of benefits, including increased productivity in the team, improved communication, and better teamwork. Leadership is a skill that requires consistent honing, practice and experience. It is also a trait that can be difficult to develop on one's own and that is where leadership training programs come in. By enrolling employees in leadership development courses, you can give them the tools they need to grow into effective leaders within your company. development

[i3coaching]

The Impact of Meeting Facilitator Coaching for Employees Engagement During Discussions

Meetings are essential for decision-making, problem-solving, and team collaboration in the modern workplace. Poorly conducted meetings can lead to wasted time, frustration, and decreased productivity. Companies are recognizing the importance of meeting facilitator coaching to ensure smooth meetings and a positive, productive culture. Mail Us i3coachingandleadership@gmail.com Address Boulder, Colorado

[avonmom]

AVON CONVENTION 2023

Learn all about #Avon annual convention for #AvonReps which will be held on August 11 to August 13 in National Harbor, Maryland. #AvonConvention #AvonTraining #JenAntunesBeauty

Avon Convention 2023 It��s that time of year again�� Avon Independent Sales Representatives across the U.S. can now register & get excited for Avon’s annual convention. This year’s theme… Team Avon. “Be apart of Avon’s biggest pep rally where you’ll be able to join your fellow peers to celebrate, learn & network.” (The Avon Company, 2023) When & Where This year’s convention will be held in…

[centerforhci]

Why I’m A Hypocrite And My Challenge With Mental Energy

I’m a hypocrite. There, I said it.

Leadership, both personal and professional, is an energy game. But it takes more than physical energy for peak performance. Leaders need abundant physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy to manage their stress and perform their best. And just like professional athletes, leaders need to train properly, regularly and on purpose to achieve the results they’re after. I help leaders do just that in Lunch & Learns, half-day workshops and even 8-week online courses.

So here I was—teaching leaders how to balance their energy—yet grinding my teeth at night. Waking up in the middle of the night with my heart racing, thinking about work and then getting up at 3am to answer emails. Snapping at my team for no reason, putting undue pressure on them.

I’m Good at Talking the Talk, But I Haven’t Been Walking the Walk

I was not walking the walk and practicing my own teachings. It was time to step back and assess what was going on. I was totally out of whack! So I did an energy assessment of myself, just like I would for a client.

My Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Energy Level Assessment

• Physical: I eat well and exercise regularly. My recent check-up showed that I had the physical energy of someone a decade younger.

• Emotional: My EQ is fairly high. When I’m not stressed, I can manage difficult situations and people with empathy and patience.

• Spiritual: I know my values and refer to them regularly.

• Mental: I have the attention span of a flea; I can’t focus on anything for more than a few minutes, and my brain is on constant overdrive. No surprise that this is my weakest area. In fact, my husband calls me a shark, because I literally can’t sit down for more than an hour without jumping up to do something.

I Have the Attention Span of a Flea

Hmmm.. this is going to be a challenge. Ask me to run a marathon and I’ll train daily for it. Tell me to go gluten-free and I’m on a baking frenzy. Offer me the chance to work with emotional teams and I can’t wait. Tell me something ‘can’t be done’ and I will find a solution or at least a work-around. Yet, invite me to sit and read a book? I read the first chapter and then the last chapter (no joke) to save time. Buy me a cuppa? I’ll start getting antsy after 30 minutes. So working on my mental energy to improve my focus is going to be hard.

Very hard.

My Shark-Like Behavior Was Impacting My Family and Team

Yet I had to do it. Not only was my shark-like behavior impacting my sleep, it was also impacting my team and family. In addition, I felt like a total hypocrite. It’s like Ellen Page saying she had to come out while filming Freeheld; I can’t teach energy management and not practice it myself.

So where to begin on this journey?

I Started With My Limiting Beliefs

First, I had to look at my limiting beliefs, or the things I thought were true that held me back from changing my behaviors. In general, our society is addicted to activity, and rewards constant busyness. We applaud the person who pulled the all-nighter; we recognize the person who stayed late to get the job done. Yet there is no such fanfare for the person who leaves at 5pm; in fact, those people are ridiculed in certain organizational cultures as weak or not team players. In addition, it’s frowned upon to take all your vacation time or take any downtime at all.

This perception is problematic for many reasons but one of those reasons is factual. The University of California put out some interesting research on the upsides of downtime. The research says:

“You can’t think without space. If you’re always doing something, there’s no way to get anything new into your mind; there’s no way to reach new conclusions.”

Why? Because unstructured time stimulates the ‘default mode network’ part of the brain, where creativity and problem solving happen. When we perform any task at all, no matter how small, our brain switches to the ‘executive network control’, which is related to deductive reasoning. So it’s when we sit back and let our minds wander, that the creative ‘default mode’ kicks in.

Even Though I Fully Knew the Benefits of Downtime, I Was at Super-Shark Speed

My limiting belief was that ‘downtime is for wimps’. The research proved me wrong. My mind was buying into the idea but my body was resisting. Even though I fully knew the benefits of downtime, I was at super-shark speed, racing around the house to get things done.

What would I tell a client in my position? I’d tell them they needed to practice downtime.

I’m a kinesthetic learner, which means I need to touch something to learn it well. So I had to find a role model to physically, literally show me what down time looks like. I had no idea how to ‘do’ downtime.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to look too far: my husband. He cherishes his downtime; I don’t mean just an hour here or there. He is fully committed to detox Sundays, where he just kicks back and reads the newspaper…the old fashioned thing made from trees. He totally unplugs and sometimes won’t even get in a car.

I Started My Practice Small, Slowly Building Mental Muscle

So I started small. I sat down for 15 minutes to read a magazine. Then I got up to plan my work for the week. Then I sat down for 20 minutes to close my eyes on the couch. Then I jumped up, feeling guilty that I hadn’t wrapped the holiday gifts. Then I allowed myself to watch a TV show, once all the ‘work had been done’. Little by little, week after week, I taught myself to chill. Stare out a window. Pet our cats. Listen to music. Snuggle in bed with our daughter. Sit on a plane without compulsively checking email. It was torture. I wanted to jump out of my skin. I wanted to do something, anything, please give me a task! Yet, I knew that I was slowly building a muscle, just like going to the gym.

I Taught Myself to Chill

And the impact was clear, both at home and work. At home, I was more patient and easier to be around. I stopped grinding my teeth and actually slept through the whole night. At work, I started enjoying writing again. It was no longer a chore. The ideas flowed out of me and actually became my most popular leadership posts, such as this one on surfing and this one on EQ. And my best product ideas and client ideas came from daydreaming out the window.

The best part? I no longer feel like a hypocrite. I’m a leader who inspires other leaders to manage their energy, all of it, for peak performance.

Do you think you need more practice managing your physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual energy? I’d love to hear what challenges you have and how you face those challenges.

Leave a comment below, send me an email, or find me on Twitter.

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[aeth-eris]

★ how to maximize profits via 2nd house ★

aries in the 2nd house can maximize profits by capitalizing on their entrepreneurial drive and competitive spirit. aries benefits from fast-paced, high-energy ventures where they can lead and make quick decisions. they might excel by launching a fitness training program, offering personal coaching services, or starting a motivational brand that sells products like athletic apparel, energy drinks, or performance gear. aries could also find success with subscription boxes focused on high-adrenaline hobbies like hiking, martial arts, or adventure sports. by embracing ventures that allow them to innovate quickly and take the lead, aries can build profitable businesses that leverage their passion and high energy.

taurus in the 2nd house is well-suited for steady financial growth through high-quality, long-term investments and products. they thrive in businesses that emphasize luxury, beauty, and quality, such as a high-end skincare line, organic foods business, or eco-friendly clothing brand. taurus could also consider starting a boutique furniture store that sells artisan-crafted or vintage items, as they appreciate products with enduring value. with their talent for creating a comforting atmosphere, taurus might excel with a bed and breakfast, a spa, or a wellness center that offers relaxation services. taurus maximizes profits by focusing on products that prioritize quality and offer a luxurious experience, appealing to clients who value longevity and craftsmanship.

gemini in the 2nd house can boost profits by tapping into their adaptability and communication skills, especially in diverse, mentally stimulating fields. they could thrive by starting a digital marketing agency, offering copywriting or editing services, or launching an online course platform that covers a wide range of topics to cater to curious minds. with their natural social skills, gemini could also excel in creating a networking app or social media consulting service. offering services like translation, podcasting, or even freelance journalism can keep income flowing, as gemini is well-suited to manage multiple streams of revenue. their knack for curiosity-driven ventures and networking makes them ideal for businesses that involve idea-sharing, quick adaptability, and community engagement.

cancer in the 2nd house can increase earnings by focusing on nurturing and emotionally resonant businesses that bring comfort to others. they might start a home-cooked meal delivery service, a childcare center, or a family-focused event planning service that organizes intimate gatherings like birthdays and reunions. cancer could also do well in real estate, particularly with home staging or property management that emphasizes creating warm, inviting spaces. they could excel in interior decorating, especially with a focus on cozy, family-oriented spaces, or start a handcrafted candle or blanket line. by building businesses that revolve around care, comfort, and family, cancer can create loyal clients and establish long-term success through emotional connections.

leo in the 2nd house maximizes profits by showcasing their creativity and leadership, often excelling in businesses that allow them to stand out and build a brand. leo could find success with a personal brand consultancy, fashion line, or luxury event planning business. they might enjoy launching a social media channel focused on lifestyle or self-improvement, where they can attract sponsorships or sell branded merchandise. leo also thrives in roles where they can influence and inspire others, so they might consider starting a motivational speaking business, an acting or dance academy, or a high-end boutique. with their flair for self-expression, leo profits best when they create high-quality, visually captivating products and services that let their star power shine through.

virgo in the 2nd house finds financial success through practical, detail-oriented services that provide high value and efficiency. they excel in businesses that involve organization, health, and precision, such as financial consulting, tax preparation, or a personal organizing service. virgo might also thrive with a nutrition or wellness coaching business, offering tailored health plans or holistic products like herbal supplements or self-care kits. a digital bookkeeping service, copyediting business, or virtual assistant agency could also bring them steady profits, as virgo’s meticulous nature appeals to clients who seek reliability and structure. by focusing on services that emphasize quality and organization, virgo builds a reputation for excellence that attracts a steady client base.

libra in the 2nd house can increase earnings by leveraging their skills in diplomacy, aesthetics, and partnerships. they could start a wedding planning business, a floral design company, or a luxury lifestyle brand that sells carefully curated home décor items. libra would also excel in public relations consulting or brand management roles, where they can help clients present a refined, balanced image. creating a high-end art gallery, a boutique law firm, or a relationship coaching service could also align well with libra’s skills. libra thrives in partnership-focused ventures, so building collaborative business models or co-founding a business with others can also enhance their profitability and bring a sense of harmony to their financial life.

scorpio in the 2nd house maximizes profits by tapping into their ability to handle intensity and complexity, often succeeding in fields like finance, psychology, and research. scorpio could build wealth by creating a private investigation firm, a psychotherapy practice, or a financial planning service specializing in wealth management or estate planning. they might also thrive in real estate investment, particularly with properties that need transformation, such as flipping houses or managing rental properties. scorpio may also excel in businesses related to holistic healing, offering reiki or shadow work coaching. by focusing on industries that require trust, depth, and resilience, scorpio can attract clients who value privacy and are willing to invest in transformational services.

sagittarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by embracing their love for adventure, growth, and education. they could launch a travel agency specializing in unique cultural experiences, a language learning platform, or a motivational speaking business that offers courses and workshops. sagittarius could also thrive by creating a publishing company focused on philosophical or inspirational content or starting a tour guiding business for international destinations. their enthusiasm for knowledge makes them great at teaching, so they might consider offering online courses or starting a coaching business in a field they’re passionate about. by aligning with growth-oriented ventures, sagittarius can attract an audience that values inspiration and big-picture thinking.

capricorn in the 2nd house maximizes profits through disciplined, long-term planning and a practical approach to business. they’re well-suited for businesses like a corporate consulting firm, project management agency, or investment portfolio service. capricorn could also do well in real estate development, particularly with rental properties or commercial buildings. they might find success by starting a financial advisory firm or creating a luxury goods company focused on high-end, timeless products like leather goods or fine jewelry. by aligning with industries that reward patience and professionalism, capricorn can build a solid financial foundation and enjoy steady growth, often seeing long-term success through conservative but reliable investments.

aquarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by focusing on innovation, technology, and humanitarian ventures. they might launch a tech startup, a renewable energy company, or a social media platform that prioritizes community and ethical interaction. aquarius could also find success with a nonprofit organization focused on social justice, an eco-friendly product line, or a collaborative workspace for creatives and freelancers. their futuristic mindset makes them perfect for ventures in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, or virtual reality. by aligning their finances with progressive and forward-thinking industries, aquarius can attract clients and customers who value innovation and social impact.

pisces in the 2nd house maximizes profits by leaning into their creativity, compassion, and spirituality. they may thrive in a music or art therapy practice, a spiritual coaching business, or a holistic wellness center that offers services like yoga, meditation, and crystal healing. pisces could also succeed by creating a boutique art studio, a dream journal line, or a subscription service for wellness products like essential oils, herbal teas, and calming rituals. they’re drawn to businesses that help others heal or connect with their inner selves, so they may also find success in fields like astrology, psychic readings, or intuitive counseling. by aligning with businesses that emphasize emotional well-being and creativity, pisces can build a profitable venture that resonates deeply with clients who seek personal and spiritual growth.

[konigsblog]

older-boyfriend simon riley headcannons.

; treatment from your old, perverted boyfriend.

tw/cw; age difference/gap, perv!simon, panty stealing/huffing.

older-boyfriend simon likes to claim ownership over you. he's into collaring you and binding your limbs with rope and tape, his name embroidered on the leather material wrapped tightly around your nape. he enjoys taking on a leadership role in your relationship, fueled by his role in the military, a lieutenant. he'll train you and will give you orders, that you must call him ‘sir’ while you're being taught. you can't deny or neglect his hard cock, accepting it gratefully and almost greedily.

“wrap your lips ‘round my cock ‘nd tighten your throat, lovie.” simon huffs out hoarsely through groans as he inches further down your little throat, until your mouth is at the base of his lengthy dick and your lips are puffy and swollen, covered in a layer of his creamy, bitter, and salty stickiness.

older-boyfriend simon likes to keep a pair of your panties with him at all times to use for his own pleasure and benefit. call him perverted and creepy, he won't deny it, dear. he uses the pair of panties that you had just been wearing while you're in the shower, getting off quickly before he's caught and humiliated.

he enjoys tying you up and leaving you bare and naked from the waist down, with your hands tied behind your back and your cunt drooling against the couch, watching as simon jerks off and strokes himself using a pair of your panties, too far away for you to reach and help him out. it's his favourite way of teasing you; showing off what you're missing out on because of your disobedience.

“wouldn’t have to do this if you behaved. now, sit still and stop squirmin’, stick your tongue out, baby...”

[justinspoliticalcorner]

John Knefel at MMFA:

The Heritage Foundation — lead organizer of Project 2025, a sprawling effort to provide policy and staffing for a second Trump administration — recently promoted an apprenticeship program that opens up workers to increased exploitation. Heritage also criticized President Joe Biden for ensuring that most federal infrastructure contracting projects are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

In an article headlined, “Harris, Walz Policy Records Undermine Pro-Worker Rhetoric,” Heritage argues for a return to Trump-era apprenticeship policies that left new workers vulnerable by creating a two-tier workforce, and it disparages unions as detrimental to the working class. The result is standard-fare for the conservative think tank, which regularly attacks unions and promotes anti-worker policies like so-called right-to-work laws, which starve unions of funds by denying them the ability to collect fees from all the workers they represent.  As head of Project 2025, Heritage has waged an all-out campaign against unions and the entire working class. The effort’s policybook — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise — calls for the dismantling of New Deal-era wins for organized labor by carving out state-level exceptions to the National Labor Relations Act. It would also eviscerate overtime regulations and open the door to increased child labor exploitation.

The new article furthers Heritage’s broadside against organized labor, even while masquerading as being pro-worker. Heritage criticizes what it characterizes as “the Biden-Harris Administration’s multi-front assault against apprenticeship programs,” specifically the administration’s cancellation of “new Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs,” or IRAPS, “that were training people in high-demand areas like nursing and technology, which now face significant workforce shortages.” In fact, IRAPs were a Trump-era policy that created a new class of apprenticeship programs that were controlled and overseen by employers — rather than the Department of Labor — and loosened standards meant to protect workers. As the progressive think tank The Roosevelt Institute wrote in response to the Trump-era rule, IRAPs are “likely to lead to a proliferation of programs that are lower-quality,” and could allow employers to exploit “loopholes in minimum wage laws.”

[...] This new salvo from Heritage is just the latest example of right-wing media pretending to endorse a pro-worker agenda, only to advance policies that benefit employers at the expense of labor.

The Heritage Foundation= enemies of workers’ rights.

[lamnwar]

Sure you can take it? Imayoshi Shouichi x Fem! Reader

MDNI 18+ knb kinktober entry!!

A/N: wrote some part of this while I was pissed drunk at a bachelorette, I think you guys will be able to tell while reading 🙂

Context: He's the worst but that dick is so good!!

Warnings: Imayoshi is a bitch but are we surprised? size kink!!, blowjob, mentioned of fingering, semi-clothed sex, unprotected sex, Imayoshi comes on reader's ass, reader cries, mix of praise/degredation (reader receiving), slight sadism, Imayoshi Shouichi as a person deserves a warning tbh

Shouichi Imayoshi is a bastard.

Or so has been your mantra for all the years that you’ve known him. Cunning eyes and a sly smile plastered on his face, enough to make you wary of him. He is, without any doubt, the guy that your mother has always warned you about. He’ll break your heart and ruin you for anyone that’s to come next.

Then, can anybody explain in all rationality the bruises on your legs from how hard he’s fucked you? Or the traces of your own nails in the palms of your hands from the excruciating pleasure he makes you feel? It’s insane, irrational even. He’s the worst, really. Such an asshole, yet you can’t help but beg for that cock as if your life depends on it. A constant chasing game, where you run away only to circle back right into his arms. He’s the moon, and you’re the tide, always coming to him in your every attempt to pull away. You can’t even tell when that started. Maybe it was just meant to be meaningless hate fuck, something that you stupidly figured would help you deal with his despicable personality better.

You have since learned not to play games with Shouichi Imayoshi, because as much as it breaks your ego to admit it, he is far more intelligent than you’ll ever be. That’s probably why you are on your way to his place right now – not even the fatigue from this week can convince you to stay away from him. You need him, desperately even, it’s ridiculous. You barge in his place almost hatefully, only to find the tall man enjoying himself a late-night drink, that annoying smirk on his lips.

“You should have told me to pick you up, it’s never a good idea for a pretty girl to walk alone at night.” He hums, leaving a sweet kiss on your forehead as a greeting.

You sigh, melting in the softness of his gesture. How can you take yourself seriously when he behaves like that? That may actually be the thing you despise the most about him. You are truly convinced that there is no greater jerk than that guy, but he doesn’t behave like one at all. Always the gentleman, he’s even had the audacity to ask you politely before ravaging you for the first time. You went back home after that first time legs wobbling like a new-born deer. You should have known that something was wrong with you back then – you couldn’t even take him all the way without crying, and yet, you keep running back to this dick as if you get your life force from it.

Today is no exception to what has become your new normal. Shouichi’s sporting an aura of calm and confidence that is almost unsettling, while you sit uncomfortably in the pool of arousal that gathers in your panties from how he riled you up enough to make you take the last train to his place. His actions are slow, calculated despite their seemingly nonchalance. The way he watches you through his glasses as he sips on his drink quietly.

“How have you been?” “Have you been sleeping enough lately?” “That’s a lovely blouse that you are wearing today, sweetheart.” “Are those rings new?”

Casual talk that would lead anyone to believe that he truly cares about you, often time letting strangers ask if you are dating. Surely, you must be! Why wouldn’t want such a charming young man all for you? A smart, classy boy, with a great sense of leadership, a wordsmith destined to greatness. The aunties would tell you to marry him as soon as possible so you can benefit from the greatness of becoming his wife. Even your friends can’t back you up, and that’s entirely on you. You could tell them how mean he is to you, how cruel he can be – but you contradict yourself with the shameless things you do in his company, and in all willingness, at that. He’s never forced you, he’s never manipulated you. No, if anything, he’s always said that he’s in love with the way you see right through him.

“You know, angel, nothing’s ever made my cock harder than he first time you called me an asshole.” He confessed once, while he was balls deep in your pussy.

And to make your case even more of a lost one, you were moaning like a bitch in heat at these words. Ultimately, Shouichi will always look at you in a way that asks who’s the real twisted one between the two of you? Because there might be something unsettling about him, but he is not the one that’s made the conscious choice to choke on his dick.

The way you get on your knees between his legs as he’s still sipping on his drink to eagerly rub your face against his bulge is already telling. He chuckles, fingers almost loving in the way they caress your hair. He takes a sip, enjoying the show you’re putting up for him. Hurrying to remove his pants and to free his semi-hard cock from his underwear.

“Fuck.”

You swear, annoyed at how big he is already. You know you’ll get wrecked by him, you know it’ll hurt good. And you know that he has all the rights to look at you in all superiority when he’s packing a dick that huge. It’s ridiculous, the spectacle of you trying as hard as you can to fit him in your mouth.

“Take your time, pretty, I’m still enjoying my drink so no rush.” He coos, pulling your head away so you can choke out some air.

You are too cocky, thinking you can stretch your mouth enough to take him that fast. You feel like a first timer, not skipping ahead any step. The languid stroke of your tongue on his tip as your hand pumps his base, letting the blood rush to the organ to bring it to life. Then your nails dig in the flesh of his thighs when you go for it, wrapping your lips around his head – so far, so good, you can take it. He sighs, watching you go step-by-step, every single action increasing the pleasure that courses through his body. Ah, you seem to have settled already, with the nice pace you’ve set as you take the first few inches of his dick.

Perfect.

The hand that was previously gently petting your head now holds your hair in a tight grip, making your scalp ache as he suddenly thrust his dick full in your mouth. You choke, eyes rolling to the back of your head as you whine. He laughs, watching the drool dripping out the corner of your slutty mouth.

“So cute… go ahead, suck me more.”

You can protest as much as you want, you still obey. Watching him with teary eyes as he fucks your throat shamelessly never fails to make you horny. You really can’t help the pulses of your clit when you do such things, or the way you feel your blood rush to all the wrong places, carrying with it lewd thoughts and shameful desires. Depravity must be your name, because nothing else can justify the pleasure you get from being treated like that.

He doesn’t even give you the liberty to decide whether you’ll suck him to his orgasm, just so you can swallow every drop of his delicious cum (also a thing that you hate about him – how can semen taste this good?).

“Stand up and bend for me.”

“But I’m not done!” you pout, to which he laughs.

“You’re a better slut when you don’t complain.”

His words are followed by a harsh kiss on your lips, tongue snaking inside your mouth to keep you quiet. He’s smart enough to tell that all your fussing and complaining is meaningless, because you instinctively always do what he says. You’d be a fool not to go with his flow – he’s let you take the lead once, just so you learn your lesson, and the evident conclusion is that it’s never going to be as good as when he’s the one setting the rules.

“Fuck you, Shouichi” you breathe out when he finally leaves your mouth.

He hums, hands already pulling down your pants, before he hooks his fingers on the sides of your panties, pulling your panties teasingly.

“Will you do it?”

He chuckles at his own joke, while you stand there, wandering if it makes any sense at all for you to be with a man like that. But you’re quick to find the answer to your question the moment his mouth founds your neck, and his fingers find your clitoris. Hand ever so slyly finding your cunt, letting you gasp in pure surprise and pleasure at the languid way he twists the bundle of nerves. He’s so smooth, making you nothing but putty in his hands. So malleable, so easy to bend and contort to his will. You are a truly, honest to god, nice girl. He’s no dupe, he knows that the venom that you spit at him is harmless – you’re a mere grass snake, nothing next to a cobra like him. He’s magnificent, you have to recognize it. He is, when he stretches your pussy good with his fingers right there in his kitchen, hot breath kissing the sensitive skin of your neck as you mewl desperately.

“Desperate, aren’t we?  Wanna go to my bedroom or are you too impatient?”

“Stop playing around!” you whine, pushing your ass back to meet his length. “Fuck me already.”

“My… and here I was trying to be a gentleman.” He clicks his tongue, hand on your lower back pushing you to arch just like he wants you to. “You’re so sweet, though, how can I say no to such a good whore?”

You whimper, feeling the tease of his tip between your folds. It’s mean – despite the softness of the act. Every second feels like eternity, leading you to leave your dignity at the door so you can plead for his cock in all neediness.

“Ah… here we go.” He lets his head tear through your walls, drawing a breathy moan out of your lips.

He grunts, hands gently caressing your hips as he stills. You wince, your mind going blank at his size. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been in this predicament before, you may never get used to him. That cock might kill you one day, that much you are convinced of. He may try to distract you with the soft caresses on your lower stomach, or the slow circles he runs on your clit, but you know it’s a short-lived respite.

“Go ahead, fuck yourself on me” he commands, slithering voice reverbing in your empty head, before travelling down to your pussy.

Your sweet, drippy and obedient cunt that takes inch by inch. Your tears that fall silently down your cheek; Shouichi knows not to worry, you do that when you feel too good. He knows all the tells – the way your own fingernails dig in the skin of your palms when you clench your fists, and the furrow in your brows and the whimpers that roll off your tongue. The slight shake of your legs as you try to hold yourself up and the gloss in your eyes from your tears of pleasure. Nothing could make Shouichi Imayoshi more excited than the sight of you like that.

No, actually, it’s not excitement. It’s love.

He loves the way you take him, the way you cry and beg for his cock, and to see your sweet hole stretch like that to accommodate him. He feeds on the knowledge that he’s got you ruined for anybody else – no matter what harsh word you throw at him, you’ll always be back. Ass up, legs spread, back arched, pussy all for his to conquer.

“That’s a good slut…” he whispers in your ear before lightly nipping at the lobe, “you like to be split in half on my dick, hm?”

You nod eagerly, your lewd moans speaking volumes.

“You like it, when it hurts good… ah!”

He throws his head back, a soft grunt leaving his tongue as you clench around him. Surprisingly, you manage to push half of him out, but you are quick to pull it back by pushing your ass to his pelvis, your skin meeting his in loud slaps. It’s animalistic, actions driven by pure lust and nothing else.

“Gonna come, fuck!” you whine, tears blurring your vision.

It’s just such a heavenly pain, a tear in your guts that makes your soul ascends to untouched heights. Your hips have a will of their own, trying to engulf all that you can take of his massive cock, seeking more. Drunk on him, hooked on his body. You are addicted to Shouichi Imayoshi.

“Yeah, me too…” His laugh is tender, pure ecstasy that makes him thrust back just to make you come around him.

You cry loudly, the melody of your voice making his dick twitch as you let go, erratic contractions of your walls tiring your body. He’s never failed to make you come hard, giving you the kind of orgasm that you cannot reproduce without him, no matter how much you try. Strong arms hold you as your worn-out body collapse against the kitchen counter, the next following minutes being a blur.

All that you know, is that you eventually feel a big emptiness in your body when he pulls out to decorate your ass with hot ropes of cum. You are shaking, breathing through your tears. His thumb swipes the salty drops away from your face, drinking the taste of your tears. It’s so sweet, so addictive, that he can also wish to get more of it on his tongue.

“You always come for me, don’t you? That’s just lovely.”

[woodblxssomcrowned]

Look at all these Senju! Some canon, some OCs. Some more developed than others!

From top to bottom I present: Senju Ema's bloodline!

Senju Ema

Head of the Senju clan for thirty-seven years, and was for most of that time known as a ruthless and incredibly deadly kunoichi. She was nicknamed Senju no kijo - the she-devil of the Senju, a name she embraced and lived up to throughout her life. Under her leadership the Senju were known to be particularly vicious, but also very efficient and successful. She was the third oldest of six sisters and was the only one to live into adulthood. She had a deep hatred for the Uchiha, and they would know she had been present on the battlefield if they found their clansmen with their eyes gouged out. Some dead, some still alive. She died at the age of fifty-five in battle, and had to be decapitated in order to stay down. Her remains were recovered and buried by the Senju.

Shimura Yunsuke

Ema's first husband, who she married shortly after becoming head of the Senju. It was an arrangement that came with benefits and connections between their clans at the time. They didn't like each other a whole lot, having a very pragmatic and professional relationship over an affectionate one. He died at twenty-three years old, after just a few years of marriage and three children.

Senju Hisashi

Ema's second husband was actually one she picked because she liked him...as much as she could like anyone. They had been romantically involved on and off through out their younger years and after Yunsuke died she decided to marry Hisashi. He had three children with Ema, but also picked up the role as a father for her children from her first marriage, who were still very young. He died just a handful of years before Ema did.

Senju Chesa

The older twin sister of Jaya, and the oldest of Ema's children. She inherited her mothers white hair and red eyes, but was unlike either of her parents in personality, having a cheerful disposition. Her likeness to her mother became her death when it made her a target on the battlefield and she was killed quite brutally. She was sixteen years old and her body was only partially recovered.

Senju Jaya

The younger twin sister of Chesa. She inherited her mothers white har but her fathers dark eyes. Not as cheerful as her siste, but dangerously clever. Following the death of her sister, Ema made her dye her hair black, to make her likeness to her mother less striking and therefore make her less of a target. Still, Jaya died just a year after Chesa, at the age of seventeen. She was wounded badly and drowned. Her body was never recovered.

Senju Butsuma

The youngest child of Ema and Yunsuke, but Ema's oldest son and one of two who would live into adulthood. None of Ema's children got along too well with Ema, she had a tendency to terrify just about anyone. But after the deaths of Chesa and Jaya, Ema became even stricter han she's been before, and her children felt that. When she died, Butsuma was among those who didn't really mourn her death. He after a decade of courting he would marry Senju Haruna, and they would have four sons together.

Senju Noma

The oldest child of Ema and Hisashi. He was quiet and reserved. Very quiet. He rarely spoke unless spoken to, and when he wasn't training he had his nose buried in a book or scroll, usually quietly sneaking off to be alone. He died at the age of 10, and his body was never recovered.

Senju Yuma

Second child of Ema and Hisashi. He died at the age of seven, with his remains only partially recovered, and his dead triggered Ema to track down and capture the young son of the current head of the Uchiha clan. She had every intention of killing Tajima Uchiha, but with combined efforts she was convinced to make use of him as a hostage instead.

Senju Rima

The youngest child of Ema and Hisashi. he was born a few years after Rima's death, and is almost twenty years younger than his oldest half-brother Butsuma, born less than ten years before his nephew Hashirama. He would be the only of Ema's children who would live to see the end of the era of warring states. He would die during the 1st shinobi world war, in his late forties. He would have two children with his wife Saki.

Saki

Saki was the wife of Rima, and the mother of Tora and Naoki. She married into the Senju clan as a civilian during the era of warring states.

Senju Haruna

The wife of Butsuma and the mother of Hashirama, Tobirama, Kawarama and Itama. She had been romantically involved with Bustuma for since they were sixteen years old, but repeatedly declined his proposals. She had that man wrapped around her finger and despite the pressure he refused to pursue anyone else, but at 26 years old she finally agreed. Haruna came from a strong, healthy branch of the Senju and she was a more than capable kunoichi. In fact, Ema was more annoyed that they had waited to long with it, since it was generally customary to marry and have at least one child in your early twenties, and they were both in their mid twenties at the time that their first child Hashirama was born which was being a bit late to the game when your life expectance was about thirty. She died in her late thirties.

Senju Tora

The oldest child of Rima and Saki and older sister of Naoki. Although trained to be a shinobi, she as not particularly talented, and when Konoha was founded she chose to retire from that path. She frequent helped look after Hashirama's children when they were little, as she was quite a few years older than them.

Senju Naoki

Youngest child of Rima and Saki and the younger brother of Tora. He's the same age as Danma and the two grew up alongside each other and were like brothers. His father passed on Ema's white hair to him. He had a crush on Kaname for a while when they were teenagers, but due to being too closely related, with Hashirama being his cousin, he could not pursue her. He would die in the 1st SWW,

Senju Hashirama

Oldest son of Butsuma and Haruna. We know who this guy is. In his late teens, not long after become head of the Senju clan, he would marry Uzumaki Mito and have a son, Danma, and a daughter, Kaname, in quick succession, and almost a decade later a second son would be born. He would die in his late forties.

Senju Tobirama

Second son of Butsuma and Haruna. We know who this guy is too. Along with his brother Hashirama he would live to see the end of the era of warring states and live into adulthood. Like his brother, he'd die in his forties.

Senju Kawarama

Third son of Butsuma and Haruna. Died at the age of seven and his body was partially recovered.

Senju Itama

Fourth son of Butsuma and Haruna. he would die not long after Kawarama, at the age of seven. His body was recovered.

Uzumaki Mito

The Senju matriarch, wife of Hashirama, mother of Danma, Kaname and Kichiro. Married into the Senju clan from the Uzumaki clan. An nearly unmatched fuinjutsu and exceptional shinobi. She became the Kyuubi's first jinchuriki after sealing the demon away within her own body. Would die in her sixties.

Senju Danma

Oldest son of Hashirama and Mito, born roughly eight years before the death of Uchiha Izuna. Natural born shinobi, but always weighed by the pressure of trying to live up to his father's legacy. Would become the father of Tsunade in his late teens, and later marry Senju Kaede and have a son that was named Nawaki. Danma died at the age of 22, a few months before Nawaki was born, being slain by the newly formed Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist not long before the start if the 1st SWW, with his body never being recovered and his fate a mystery to all.

Senju Kaname

The only daughter of Hashirama and Mito. Was born roughly seven years before the death of Uchiha Izuna, and with the unusual inability for nature transformation, which left her uncapable of performing traditional ninjutsu. When Konoha was founded the Shinobi Academy was opened, she was refused a place there, and was never officially considered a shinobi by the village even though she trained herself to be quite capable. She would be the only one of Hashirama's children to live past her twenties.

Senju Kichiro

The youngest child of Hashirama and Mito. Kichiro was born not long after Uchiha Madara's attack on Konoha and Mito sealing away the Kyubi within herself. Due to the experimental nature of the seal, the Kyubi's chakra ended up affecting him while in his mother's womb, fusing with his own and marking him physically, mentally and spiritually. He grew up wild and hostile, but nonetheless a highly skilled shinobi and fiercely loyal to his family. His father would die when he was still a child, and not long after his uncle would follow. At age sixteen he was allowed to join the ANBU, but hardly a year later, at age seventeen, he would be assassinated due to his relation to the Uzumaki clan.

[[unnamed mother of Tsunade WIP]]

Senju Kaede

The wife of Danma, the mother of Nawaki and stepmother of Tsunade. Raised both of Danma's children like her own after he went MIA during a mission and presumed dead. She was a skilled shinobi. Would die during a mission just a year before Nawaki.

Senju Tsunade

Oldest child of Danma. We know who she is. Older sister of Nawaki, one of the legendary Sannin, the fifth Hokage, the most beautiful woman of her generation etc etc etc Glorious woman all around.

Senju Nawaki

Youngest child of Danma, and Senju Kaede's only child. Younger brother of Tsunade. Died at age twelve.

[gatheringbones]

[“Such groups suffer from a syndrome I call empowerment to the midline. We dedicate ourselves to empowering individuals, right up until the moment when someone actually begins to exercise power — defined simply as the ability to get what they want done. At that point, it’s as if they’ve stepped over an invisible line that separates the oppressed from the oppressors. Suddenly this person we’ve worked so hard to help find a voice becomes the person everyone wants to speak out against.

I also call this pattern empowerment to complain. We focus our nurturing and attention on anyone who takes the position of victim and complains about leadership. Anyone who takes action or sets direction is suspect. Unfortunately, this sort of empowerment is not very empowering. Nobody gets what they want, and often little or nothing gets done.

True empowerment implies action. Complaining is not enough. Taking action means taking responsibility — suggesting, offering solutions and doing the work to implement them. But in a group suffering from the empowerment to the midline syndrome, there’s no zone of action, no autonomy, no scope for creativity. The group may have done away with the inequalities of leaders and followers, of some people being the stars and others relegated to mere extras. But they’ve done so by preventing anyone from having the power to act.

Here are some of unspoken assumptions behind the empowerment to the midline syndrome in progressive and collaborative groups.

1. People who have extraordinary skills, experience, levels of commitment or other resources or who take on big responsibilities — call them leaders — are always suspect. They are fair game for attack. The result is that no one feels truly safe in the group. There is no trust. No one is able to train, to mentor or pass on skills.

2. Leaders should never receive extra benefits, perks or rewards beyond the joy of the work itself, or they are exploiting others. In collaborative groups, we are often reacting against a larger system of hierarchy, in which higher levels of responsibility confer marks of status and collateral powers. We don’t want to reproduce that sort of inequality. But we do want to allow people to earn fair rewards for their labors, marks of appreciation and respect. If a group continually sees its most experienced people drifting away or burning out, it may be a warning sign that this pattern is in force.

3. We must always sacrifice the needs, benefits and rewards of insiders to the needs of outsiders. Empowerment means always siding with the perceived victim or underdog. The group functions on power-under — people get their way by taking the position of victim. They gain social power, not by taking on responsibility, but by complaining about those who do. The complainers are not truly empowered to act, and those who do take action are undermined.

4. We refuse to acknowledge that people might have different levels of skill, experience, talent, commitment or responsibility, because to do so might affirm a hierarchy. The group is unable to make use of its members’ skills and talents. We can’t mentor and critique each other, we can’t assess what skills and forms of responsibility are needed or are operative in a group and we can’t set standards or hold one another accountable for meeting them.”]

starhawk, from the empowerment manual: a guide for collaborative groups, 2011

[calisources]

THE   ROYAL   TREATMENT.   all   sentences   are   either   taken   from   fantasy   or   fictional   and   historical   novels   about   kings,   queens,   royal   blood   and   some   sparked   romance   and   magic.   change   all   pronouns   and   names,   locations   as   you   see   fit.

“You are enough to drive a saint to madness or a king to his knees.”

“She was a ray of sunshine, a warm summer rain, a bright fire on a cold winter’s day, and now she could be dead because she had tried to save the man she loved.”

“He was a man known for the violence of his temper as well as the deliciousness of his touch.”

“Am I making you nervous, Natalie?”

“Sad it is, the fate of kings.”

“Go to this masquerade ball with your new friends, put on a pretty gown, and dance the night away.”

“Repentance is like a royal cheer.”

“Even the small joys are worth cherishing, and they will lead to greater ones.”

“when you become king shall find many difficult tasks and you shall have to hurt others and yourself.”

“The throne brings trouble and grief along with the glory.”

“Anger is a feeling afforded only by royal blood. Ordinary people ask for mercy in such situations.”

“True leadership is serving others; follow Queen Elizabeth's noble example.”

“Success isn't wealth or status; impact matters.”

“The power of empowerment can change the world, one person at a time.”

“Leadership is service, not a throne to seize.”

“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine.”

“Proper training is key, it allows one to accomplish a great deal."

“Oh honey, someday a real man is going to make you see stars and you won't even be looking at the sky."

“Royalty comes with a cost. My great-great-grandfather was one, and he left me no royalty but loyalty to empower people.”

“At all times an empire is more important than emperor and empress, prince and princess.”

“You might have to ask yourself, however right your claim is, if you are the leader the realm needs and wants.”

“You’re Royal. Get used to it and that involves a lot of burdens and things you don’t want to do.”

“I’m in awe of you, Rowan Palotay.”

“Slow down there, princess. How do you know what kind of first impression you gave me?”

“Prayer is a royal power.”

“You forget yourself and who you are speaking of.”

“Anyone young, famous and beautiful who dies young is forever frozen in time and fascinating to all of us.”

“Youths are the life blood of any nation.”

“I am not yet come of age, my lord. How can I be queen?”

“To crown her is to kill her.”

“He didn't marry you to become king. He became king because he wanted to marry you.”

“Little by little, the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him.”

“I believe we are what we make ourselves, and as such, you, Crown Princess, are nothing.”

“Rule with the heart of a servant. Serve with the heart of a king.”

“There’s a fine line between gossip and history, when one is talking about kings.”

“We kings do develop a certain ability to recognize objects under our noses.”

“...alone is such a nebulous state when one is queen.”

“I respect you as my king, and I respect you as my father, but I do not respect you as a man!”

“She was made to be a queen, just like her mother.”

Protect Myrcella with your life. Defend her... and her rights. Set a crown upon her head.“”

“You’re my princess, right? You were always going to be my princess, no matter what you were born.”

“For dogs we kings should have lions, and for cats, tigers. The great benefits a crown.”

“This marriage had resulted from impulse.”

“The king is a saint and cannot rule, and his son is a devil and should not.”

“One does not ask if one likes the Blood Royal. They simply are. It is like asking if one likes the Gods.”

“You are a king worthy of their allegiance . . . with a queen full of fire and promise.”

“The idea that how you are born or the name you are given dictate the sort of person you really are.”

“You seem to think that you can still turn back, but it’s too late. You’ll have to face it, Princess. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but soon enough. And you can’t be this scared when the time comes.”

“Was it worse, she wondered, to be wanted dead or wanted Queen?”

“My royal status is both a shield that protects me and a sword that impales my heart.”

“Respect shouldn't be hereditary; it must be earned.”

“You know, for a pampered princess, you have a certain gift for violence.”

“There is nothing sharper than a well mannered princess’ words.Their true meaning are a mystery.”

“People are born great but yet need to grow into greatness”

“Kings needn’t raise their voices to be heard.”

“She was their witch queen, and they adored her.”

“To be fair, I don't quite see any difference between an assassin and a knight. They both kill people, only one "in the name of Honour '' and the other is just a "monster"

“Crowns belong to those that serve.”

“I have the softness and meekness of a daughter but I also have the boldness and Braveheart of a Son.”

“Will you visit my chambers tonight?”

“A throne won in blood will soon be drenched in it.”

“Even when she's dethroned by hardship, she still wears the sun as a crown.”

“The Princess knew in her heart she is strong, smart, and capable because it is in her blood.”

“There is the matter of succession that has to be settled. You don’t start a reign without settling how it continues.”

“My reign has been anything but traditional. Let’s not start now, shall we?”

“Every girl thinks about growing up in a palace. Few ever ponder living in a cage.”

“Often blessings and burdens comes hand in hand. The bigger the Crown the heavier the burden”

“If stubborness were all that was needed to be a good queen, I'd rule the world.”

“Some girls have a frightening killer instinct. Don't let the ball gowns fool you.”

“You don't turn your back on your destiny.”

[bibliophilesince2003]

Oplita Oneshot

This is based off of Transformers One. I've been itching to write something wholesome, and I absolutely adore Optimus and Elita as a couple. Normally, I put my writing on Wattpad. Then again, those are usually full-length stories. It just made sense to do this particular oneshot here. Perhaps I'll do more oneshots of my favorite fandoms in the future.

So, yeah, this is for my fellow die-hard Oplita fans.

Also... this takes place after the ending of Transformers One, maybe a few months or so after the ending. Sorry, I'm not sure what a month is in cybertronian terms; Google was unhelpful. If you have not seen Transformers One in its entirety, this one shot may not be as impactful as it could be.

-

Optimus ducked as he walked past the door frame, mumbling to himself. His eyes were glued to the data disks in his hands; he had grabbed far too many. A few dropped to the ground. He bent to pick them up, but only lost more in the process. Optimus shook his head and resorted to sitting on the ground, spreading out the data. Now he could read them better, though some of the works and markings were faded and illegible. He grunted, his legs getting in the way. Being taller and bulkier had its advantages in battle, but he couldn't exactly crawl through vents like he used to. Bee had joked that perhaps the Matrix of Leadership had a "switch" for shrinking, but Elita said that size didn't matter. Then, she promptly added, stupidity was sure to remain.

He was glad he didn't intimidate her, even after becoming a prime. Her suggestion to "adapt" to sudden change was both firm and helpful, though harsh. Now, it settled deep in his spark, and he began to overthink. What if he didn't adapt? Would she think less of him?

A memory flashed through his mind, eliminating his worries about Eilta. He may have been dying, but he remembered catching a glimpse of Elita leaning towards the edge of the well when he fell. It was both shocking and endearing, but he was glad Bee yanked her back. It warmed his heart before pain overtook it, pain so great that it rendered him unconscious. He hadn't mentioned it to her, and he didn't think he ever would. It would be a secret to hold on to, at least for the time being.

Optimus was so engrossed in his work he didn't hear the automatic doors open. When footfalls finally reached his ears, Optimus scrambled and gathered up the data disks to the best of his ability. Elita and a few of her soldiers in training turned the corner and walked down the hall. Elita put her hands on her hips.

"And here is our leader, on the ground and sorting through old data disks like a desperate scavenger. Don't worry; he's tougher than he looks."

"That's reassuring," said one of the trainees; a pink and white female cybertronian.

Optimus cleared his throat, gave a lop-sided grin, and backed up. He dumped the data disks on a table and apologized, though it was mostly for Elita's sake. When he returned to the group, Elita gave him an amused look, but waved a hand in front of the trainees.

"This is Arcee, Smoke, and Cliffjumper. It's part of their training to visit the archives. A tactical warrior is just as powerful as a physically strong one."

"Wheeljack was part of your training program, wasn't he?" Optimus asked.

Elita rolled her eyes, and Cliffjumper answered for her, holding back a laugh. "He got bored."

"He joked about starting his own group; a group that didn't mind going the extreme," Smoke said.

He paused, then added to his statement. "Maybe it wasn't a joke."

"It definitely wasn't a joke," Arcee said.

"I'll have a talk with him later," Elita said, and Optimus nodded.

He stared at the wall just above their heads, lost in thought. Elita straightened.

"You ok?" she asked.

"What?" Optimus snapped out of it. "Oh, I'm fine."

Elita turned to address her trainees. "Meal break. Get your energon and look over some of the data this place has to offer that you think will benefit you. I want you at the station in a couple of hours; no sooner, no later. Got it?"

They nodded and obeyed; heading down the hall and turning the corner. Silence fell as their chattering grew distant.

"I said I was fine," Optimus said, attempting a laugh.

It sounded hollow.

"What's wrong, Pax?"

Optimus' shoulders dropped in surrender. When she called him that, he always felt inclined to answer, as if he were a miner under her command again. "Pax" or "Orion" would only come from her, though, and she never used it in front of others. He was to be Optimus Prime to everyone else; a title that carried authority and a great deal of weight. All cybertronian citizens were aware that their life could never be the same; many were expected to train. Really, he wasn't the only one experiencing change.

"I don't know if I can do this," Optimus blurted, clenching his fists.

"You're going to have to be more specific," Elita said.

"I'm a prime, but I've never led. I'm expected to fight in a war that hasn't begun but haunts the future. I think we both know Megatron will be back; he will want to take my place. Maybe he should."

Elita sighed and took Optimus' hand. "Come on."

Dazed, Optimus nodded. They walked down the hall and through various rooms. Neither of them let go, fingers tightly intertwined.

"Find a place where we can talk, Pax. I haven't broken in here like you have."

"Commander's orders," Optimus said, picking up the pace.

They entered a dimly lit, musky room. Elita coughed, letting go of Optimus' hand to wave her hand in front of her face. "Couldn't you have picked a better place?"

"The worst places are often the best places," Optimus said.

"Is this vagueness going to be regular thing, now? I hate it."

Optimus braced his back against a shelving unit, though it didn't contain very many data disks. With a grunt he gave a few hard shoves, and the shelving unit moved to reveal a broken door that led to a precarious platform overlooking Iacon.

"Is this how you would get in?" Elita asked, coming closer to observe.

"No; there were more dangerous entry points with small ventilation systems. I got stuck for a full twenty minutes, once."

"And to think... if you had just stayed there, we could have avoided all this chaos."

"What... and have Cybertron miss this charm?" Optimus motioned to himself.

Elita rolled her eyes, but Optimus caught a small smile. He backed up, letting her go first, and Elita stepped onto the platform and approached the edge. She leaned forward, and Optimus sucked in an inward breath, squeezing past the door frame. She sat at the edge, legs dangling. As soon as Optimus sat beside her, she spoke.

"You won't know how to lead."

Great. Another one of her "encouraging" pep talks. Elita turned her head and waited until Optimus locked eyes with her.

"What I mean is... leading can never be mastered," Elita said. "So, you need to act like you have it all figured out. Voice your fears with the ones you trust, but don't put them on public display. You're right; Megatron is out there somewhere, plotting your demise."

"I don't like the thought of preparing citizens for war," Optimus said.

"It has to be done. The few already capable fighters we have don't stand a chance."

"I know."

"We have to win," Elita said.

Silence fell. They could both agree on that. Elita put a hand on his shoulder.

"You are nothing like Megatron."

"I... try to envision him as he was. He was my greatest friend, Elita. And yet, anyone is capable of betrayal."

"You may doubt yourself, but I would never betray you. Even when I seemed your enemy, yelled at you, and -"

"Punched me in the face?" Optimus offered.

"Yes, even then, I never hated you. You were just... too ambitious and eager for my taste."

"Interesting," Optimus said, looking upwards in thought.

Elita laughed and knocked him in the shoulder, and Optimus gasped dramatically and fell, rolling closer to the edge of the platform.

"I thought you would stop punching me," Optimus groaned, finally sitting up when Elita's eyes widened, no doubt worried he might fall, or perhaps having PTSD of when he had, in fact, fallen.

"Oh, come on! That wasn't a punch," Elita said.

Optimus laughed and stood up, offering a hand. Elita took it, and he helped her up.

"What were you doing rifling through the data disks, anyway?"

"I'm trying to find what remains of Alpha Trion's wisdom. The Matrix of Leadership offers many surprises, but I'm without a mentor. I wish he were here."

"You have everything and everyone you need," Elita said.

Optimus dipped his head, and Elita placed her hands on either side of his face, lifting it back up. "I expect you to be on the training grounds this afternoon. Maybe you can convince Wheeljack to join the group."

"Would they listen to me?"

"You have an axe for a hand. How could they not?"

Optimus laughed, and Elita lowered her hands, nodding in satisfaction.

"Thanks, Elita."

"Any time, Pax."

[i3coaching]

The Ultimate Guide to Find business Leadership Coaching Programs

While you may have a robust team working tirelessly on the upcoming project, it still needs a competent leader to guide them in the right direction. It is more than just about overseeing the team; you need to lead and inspire everyone to achieve their goals. But if you think that your brand is lacking the right leadership, you need to work on your management qualities and skills to survive and grow in the competitive market.

Being a business leader is tough, and you need to be prepared for whatever challenge is coming your way. And getting Management Development Training can equip you to become a better leader. It can help you work on your creativity and critical thinking to boost your decision-making skills and maximize your profits. Mail Us i3coachingandleadership@gmail.comAddress Boulder, Colorado