In the dynamic realm of leadership, one cornerstone principle stands tall: self-reflection. The journey to becoming an effective leader involves more than just the pursuit of success; it's about understanding ourselves, acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, and fostering an environment of continuous growth. As I navigate my own path as a leader, I've come to realize that self-reflection is not just a process—it's a powerful strategy that has transformed the way I lead and inspire my team.

By implication, a leader must truly lead -- that is, into the future. As such, a leader must always be focused on the future time horizon and the organization's long-term mission and goals. And every decision made by the leaderr and their team must take future trends into account by asking themselves: "Does this decision move us towards our goals, minimize risks, and maximize opportunities?"

One way of a good leader is to identify his team’s strengths and weaknesses. To know each team member well and deploy the team at the exact tasks wherein their expertise can be useful.

Commit to skills auditing at least twice a year. Set dedicated time aside for journaling and self-reflection every day. Set a target for the number of learnings that you will attend per month. Also set a target for how many aspiring leaders you have supported. Be a mentor and mentee - you will learn equally from both. Publish week-notes (or month notes) this will help you reflect, forward plan and gives you an accountability buddy

Beyond assessing your current state as a leader and knowing where you are in your leadership, a leader should appraise the current capacities and potentials of members of his/her team and decide to contribute to their growth by providing resources and handle that can help the team rise to the attainment of their potentials. A great leader should keep on growing and likewise cause his/her team to grow.

As a leader, I have come to appreciate the beauty of shared success, where every team member contributes their unique strengths to create a tapestry of excellence. the values we uphold and the qualities we embody as leaders shape not only our journey but also the journeys of those we touch. By nurturing a team of visionary leaders, fostering a culture of alignment, and embracing emotional intelligence, we set the stage for success, not only for ourselves but for the entire organization and the communities we serve. By nurturing a team of visionary leaders, fostering a culture of alignment, and embracing emotional intelligence, we set the stage for success, not only for ourselves but for the entire organization and the communities we serve.

In my experience, the growth of an organization isn't a linear trajectory; it's an evolving narrative shaped by dynamic execution, innovative thinking, and technological integration. As leaders, we stand at the helm of this transformation, driving our teams to embrace growth mindsets, pushing boundaries through innovation, and harnessing the potential of AI. By nurturing a culture of smart work, we ensure that every effort contributes not just to progress, but to meaningful advancement.

I recognize the potency of alliances. Associating with mentors and allies who are more accomplished amplifies my learning curve and contributes to the organization's growth. Celebrating triumphs with my team, attributing credit where it's due, and embracing failures as catalysts for improvement will be at the core of my leadership journey. In closing, leadership isn't an isolated venture; it's a tapestry woven with agile execution, SMART actions, strategic delegation, and the strength of partnerships. This mosaic guides us towards success and, more importantly, towards growth. As leaders, we're not defined by the challenges we face, but by our response to them.