Do more. Be more. Be strong.

Leaders are so often described as people to be revered and respected. Search for “quotes about leaders / leadership” and you’ll most likely come across the likes of the following:

"Leaders instill in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals." -Unknown

"Don't follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you." --Margaret Thatcher

"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent." --Douglas MacArthur

"The task of the leader is to get their people from where they are to where they have not been." --Henry Kissinger

We have to do more, be more, be strong, be the one…

Though, during these difficult times, I’ve realized the one thing people (including leaders themselves) forget is that leaders are also human beings. We try so hard to be strong for everyone else, and when in doubt we turn to peers or our managers. But really, it’s absolutely OK to get comfort from our teams, and acknowledge that most of the time, they instill the strength in us.

Before we had to temporarily suspend the operations of our hotel, I had a townhall where I reassured everyone that we will get through this together while simultaneously informing them that we will be facing potential closure, and that I would need their cooperation to voluntarily sign up for pay cuts. Not a great message to have to deliver. A few junior sales colleagues walked past me in the corridor after the townhall, “Are you ok?”, they asked. “Yes, I’m fine”, I said offering them a smile. One responded, “Are you sure? You look a little stressed”. “I’ll be alright”, I responded. “Don’t worry!” another one said cheerfully, “We will get through this together! Su su!*”

Since then I have had care packages delivered to my apartment, fruits left behind for me (“in case I ran out of food at home” the note said), messages sent saying that if I was hungry I was welcome in their home as their mum would cook for me, and just random notes like, “We encourage you”. We encourage you - you'd think I wouldn't need to hear that from a technician, but I do.

Unfortunately, yesterday, we had to let go of some of our colleagues. Knowing that I had said so many times that we will get through this together, it was arduous writing a notice to all our remaining colleagues on what we had to do. I knew that there is absolutely no way that everyone will be happy about it, as not everyone will understand. Again, they proved to me that I need to give them more credit, for in fact they understand more than I know. The person who translated the message wrote to me, “I know it is a very hard time for you. Stay strong as I believe in you. Su su!” My message was then published and someone wrote on the board, “Keep Fighting Everyone!!” I’m still pretty sure not everyone is this positive, but it’s great to know that I have a solid cheer leading squad on my side (one that is pretty darn amazing, I might add).

So, as at this time of crisis we receive pressure from so many different stakeholders – ask yourself: do you really need to beat yourself up too? This is a public service reminder to take a moment and be kind to yourself. If you need strength – sometimes it doesn’t come from within, and that’s OK.

Oh, and heed the advice from my wise team members and Su Su!

*Su su is the Thai term for “fighting!” to show encouragement

Image from "The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse", a book by Charlie Mackesy