No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.
Einstein
Before diving into our 2:00 PM meeting with the Head of Departments (HODs), I took the opportunity to document what transpired recently.
Recently, Stellar Education Group faced a communication breakdown within one major department. Simplifying complex matters can be difficult, but we’re grateful for the support of many who genuinely love Stellar and want to see our growth, both internally and externally. These include Hedki and his champion team, who act as our independent director and CCO from SOMO Group, 10X Strategy Coaches who’ve been with us for the past two years, Dr Victor, Dr Elias and Touboon, who will be instrumental in injecting leadership into the department, an area where Stellar could benefit from further development.
Facing the Crisis:
This morning, during a strategy coaching session, our lead coach Wilson commented on how calm I seemed despite the challenges we face. His observation made me reflect. Do I feel anything? Do I feel mental tension? Absolutely. I’m human after all. Some feedback may be harsh and place blame solely on leadership. Often, my role has been to listen, acknowledge, and take notes. This experience has given me a new perspective on the saying “高处不胜寒” (gāo chù bù shèng hán), which translates to “the higher the position, the colder one feels.” The sentiment of “高处不胜寒” rings true. Isolation, constant scrutiny, and the weight of responsibility – leadership can definitely be tough. But here’s the key: high places can also be a source of warmth. This is where “高处来取暖” (gāo chù lái qǔ nuǎn), “Seeking warmth from a high place” comes in: By actively seeking support and connection, we can turn the challenges into opportunities for growth and inspiration. That’s how we continue to make a positive impact and inspire others. Ultimately, the leader is held responsible, even for decisions they didn’t make. This can feel unfair. But servant leadership isn’t about fairness, it’s about taking ownership and shaping a positive culture. This concept can be applied to many aspects of life, not just leadership. Does your heart have the capacity for this broader responsibility? The answer to that question determines the kind of impact you can create.
Leading Through Challenges:
So, how do you respond when faced with criticism? What does it mean to treat your staff like family? Here’s the question: regardless of the situation, on stage or off, how do we consistently uphold our purpose, vision, mission, and core values? What holds greater power: the negative circumstances or your purpose? What will you submit to? Your discomfort or your purpose?
Finding the Light:
Darkness thrives in the absence of light. Are we the light that shines through our purpose? Are we bright enough? How can we become brighter? Are we too bright? Do we need to dim ourselves? When is it appropriate to dim our light?
All of this requires wisdom. The more I navigate challenges, the more I realize the need for wisdom. This hunger for wisdom is a constant driver.
Prevention is Better Than Cure:
Over the years, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: solutions often lie in preventing problems, not simply reacting to them. Here’s a classic story:
A busy hospital constantly added beds to accommodate the influx of injured vehicles from a bumpy road. However, a clever child noticed that accidents always occurred at a sharp bend. “Why not put a shiny mirror there?” he suggested. “Drivers can see around the corner and avoid collisions!” Everyone agreed it was a great idea. They placed a mirror at the bend, and guess what? No more accidents! The hospital finally had empty beds, and the vehicles could drive safely.
Moral of the story: Prevention is better than cure.
Moving Forward with Purpose:
Despite our shortcomings, my goal of nation-building and supporting teachers remains unwavering. This authentic goal originates from the heart. With a clear and genuine destination (“point B”), the journey becomes easier. We will reach our goal; it’s simply a matter of time. I know clearly that my leadership team and I constantly push ourselves, embracing difficult paths because our vision is clear. We experiment with various approaches, and while we don’t always have all the answers, we build as we go, alongside educators who believe in our mission of impacting lives, one at a time.
There is a Time for Everything: Ending the Day Strong with Our Community
Finally, time to end the day with a workout! We’re so happy to see more people joining us for exercise and swimming. It’s a joy to have Evin and Sahalan, who recently started coming to our workouts. Keeping them accountable for staying healthy is just one reason we love having them as part of this inclusive, healthy community. After all, sometimes the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little “extra” effort!
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