Learning to be Strong
“When it comes to strong leadership, I think about strength of character, body, and mind. Strong leaders also have clear vision, direction, and purpose. Purpose is huge: Why you work matters, not just to you, but to others in the organization or institution.” [1] David Nicholl response to Hutchinson Karise as he was asked about his explanation of what is a strong leadership. David Nicholl one of many known industry leaders in the field of energy. He has led several companies in UK, Ireland, and Sweeden. These big companies like ABB’s Electrification Div., Phillips Lighting, Rockwell Automation, and Schneider Electric Country.
For leaders to have clear vision, direction and purpose is common to hear. However, it is also important to have healthy character, healthy body, and healthy mind. Well in other words, a strong leader must have a healthy and balance life. From this interview, I have gathered the following that could help achieve a healthy and balance life for leaders. They are as follows: (a.) Social connections (as well as alone time for meditations and quite time), (b.) Flexibility or allow yourself to work around your schedule, (c.) keeping a healthy diet, and (d.) Physical activity or exercise.[2]
“Work-Life Balance is a fundamental aspect of leadership that cannot be overlooked in today’s fast-paced demanding work environment. As leaders strive to achieve organizational goals and inspire their teams, it is crucial to recognize the significance of maintaining a healthy equilibrium between work responsibilities and personal well-being.”[3] The article continues with these essential insights: (a.) having that balance is essential in avoiding burnout and maintaining optimal performance, (b.) when leaders modeled this, team members tend to follow, and (c.) having clear boundaries, effectively delegating, and practicing mindfulness are important in achieving work-life balance as leaders.[4]
When David Nicholl was asked about what led him to be effective at leading, the following stands out, accept limitations and to lead as a coach – which is to help bring out the best in his team members. “I can make the best plans, but there’s a lot of external factors that come into play, which I can’t control,” commented Nicholl. There must be a plan, but when it does not go the way planned due to unexpected external factors, there is nothing to be done but to try again. Newsonen, Psychology Today, outlined six steps to be resilience when things do go as planned, (a.) take a deep breath, (b.) remind yourself that you’ve done what you can, (c.) practice acceptance, (d.) put your creativity hat on, (e.) trust that it will be resolved, and (f.) brainstorm how to deal with something like this in the future.[5]
Last week, I had unexpected surge at my job and most of it was affecting my task. Effected by the Presidential Executive Order, ‘Protecting The American People Against Invasion,’ citizens of my country that are residing in the here in the U.S., were panicking and not sure if this is affecting them as well. Because of this, we were floated with calls, consultations, and increased number of walk-ins or visitors to our office. Most came to make sure their papers are in order and that they are still legal to be in the U.S.. The whole week was focused on immigration documents (passports and verification of legal entry into U.S. documents).
As a follower-leader, I find it so challenging to prioritize my work, my family, and my school. I worked at the office, and at home after hours. I felt guilty for time spend away from my family and my school-work. I am hoping this week gets better; I have learned some lessons from last week and hope to tackle what comes my way more efficiently this week. All I can do is to learn from yesterdays and pray for my tomorrows.
[1] Hutchenson, Karise. Illuminaire: Sustaining Leadership. (pg. 69).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Leadernavigation.com. Work-Life Balance in Leadership. https://www.leadernavigation.com/work-life-balance/. Accessed February 2, 2025.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Newsonen, Susanna. When Things Don’t Go as Planned: Six steps to surviving the unexpected. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-path-to-passionate-happiness/202311/when-things-dont-go-as-planned?msockid=2986ff463a4e6d9833b1f0453be66c16. (Accessed February 2, 2025).
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Noel Liemam
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Noel, I am sorry for the fear and urgency that you and those from your country are dealing with right now. May God give you the courage, grace, and discernment to know how, when, and to what to say “no” and “yes.” Praying for you!