Live Better with Willie Jolley: Lessons From Mama
Lessons From Mama
By Dee Taylor-Jolley
Mama’s hair salon, which was attached to our house by way of the garage, morphed into an office for church administration (my father was a Methodist pastor); a product inventory, finance and personnel office (we owned Taylor’s Market); and the laundry mat and barbershop supply center (we owned those too). All under one roof with separate bookkeeping, personnel and management. All managed by one person, my mama, Lillie Mae Wilkins Taylor.
Little has been written about her. She passed away in 1994, long before Willie persuaded me to come work with him; but her impact lingers with me til this very moment.
Efficient
Although my father (Rivers) was a Methodist minister, my mother was the final authority. Personnel issues? Event logistics? Financials balanced to the penny? Done.
Lillie Mae made the different operations function flawlessly. Never drama! Patient, focused, detail oriented and with a vision of how things should be. Mama found a way to manage that “one more project” Dad would deliver to her office desk. Mama always got the job done, with the appearance of ease and grace.
Back Room Politics
But there were times when Lillie Mae had had enough. When she felt the church, the businesses or the family was out of line, she would remove herself and Dad to their bedroom for a closed-door confab. When they emerged, a new plan, adjusted rules or a revised approach was now in place.
Never a disagreement, even in front of us kids. Mama handled Dad and managed everything else - including us. She studied Dad. She knew how to get that old “fire and brimstone” preacher to soften and see a different perspective or approach. Mama knew how to negotiate so that everybody felt like they had won something.
Gracious
Mama was always approachable. Dad’s demeanor could be intimidating and sometimes gruff. Mama was the buffer. She always had a pleasant facial expression and an inviting stance. Mama prayed, listened and resolved issues. Calmed fears. Celebrated birthdays. Cooked for Saturday church dinners. And served Communion on Sunday.
Mama was confident in her work ethic, comfortable with her varied relationships and committed to her Christian faith.
When I’m in my basement, still working at 2am, I often think of mom sitting in her office late at night. I’d comment as I headed to bed, “Mom go to bed and leave that for the morning.” She’d say “Ok sweetie – shortly.”
Mama knew I had no clue of what it took to keep everything together. I’m starting to get it now. Thanks Mom for being a great role model.
Happy Mother's Day!
Dee Taylor-Jolley, President & Training Manager, Willie Jolley Worldwide
Dee Taylor-Jolley is the President of The Jolley Institute, the learning division of Willie Jolley Worldwide, which focuses on presentation skills, leadership development and customer service.
She holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum Design from The Catholic University of America.
