How Ramadan Makes Us Better Leaders
Glenn Birkelev
Lead with Confidence, Succeed with Purpose | Leadership Coach | Executive Mentor | Head of Customer Service Delivery @ Agoda | Guiding Professionals to Life & Career Success | Speaker & Content Creator
As Ramadan commences this weekend, I extend my warmest wishes to all my Muslim brothers and sisters around the world. May this blessed month bring you peace, reflection, and spiritual growth. Ramadan Kareem to all of you.
This year I made a reflection of how Ramadan aligns with amazing leadership qualities that are needed to be successful in life and at work and how they are shown during Ramadan. It is not just about fasting from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan is a profound period of self-discipline, empathy, and community – qualities that resonate deeply with effective leadership. Let's explore how the practices of Ramadan align with key leadership principles:
1. Self-Regulation and Discipline (Taqwa):
Ramadan Practice: Fasting cultivates strong self-control, teaching us to manage our desires and focus on higher goals. This aligns with the Quranic concept of "Taqwa" (God-consciousness), which emphasizes self-restraint and moral awareness.
Leadership Principle: Leaders who demonstrate self-discipline are more resilient, make better decisions, and inspire trust. As Jim Collins highlights in "Good to Great," disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action are critical for sustained success.
Quranic Reference: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous1 (Taqwa)." (Quran 2:183) ?
2. Empathy and Compassion (Zakat and Sadaqah):
Ramadan Practice: Increased charitable giving (Zakat and Sadaqah) fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the needs of others.
Leadership Principle: Empathetic leaders build stronger relationships, create inclusive environments, and drive collective success. As Daniel Goleman emphasizes in "Emotional Intelligence," empathy is a crucial component of effective leadership.
Ramadan Impact: This practice refines us as people, spouses, parents, and leaders by making us more aware of the needs of those around us.
3. Strategic Vision and Reflection (Tadabbur):
Ramadan Practice: Increased time for prayer, reflection, and reading the Quran (Tadabbur) encourages strategic thinking and introspection.
Leadership Principle: Effective leaders are strategic thinkers who can envision the future and guide their teams towards achieving shared goals. This aligns with the concept of "Tadabbur" (contemplation) in the Quran, which encourages deep reflection and understanding.
Ramadan Impact: By spending more time in reflection, we are better equipped to make informed decisions in our personal and professional lives.
4. Community and Collaboration (Iftar and Taraweeh):
Ramadan Practice: Breaking fast together (Iftar) and communal prayers (Taraweeh) strengthen community bonds and promote collaboration.
Leadership Principle: Collaborative leaders build strong teams, foster a sense of belonging, and leverage the collective wisdom of their group. As Patrick Lencioni discusses in "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," trust and collaboration are essential for team success.
Ramadan Impact: This promotes better family bonds, stronger community ties, and an increased ability to work with others.
5. Personal Growth and Improvement (Ihsan):
Ramadan Practice: Ramadan is a time for personal growth and striving for excellence (Ihsan) in all aspects of life.
Leadership Principle: Leaders who are committed to continuous improvement inspire their teams to do the same. This aligns with the concept of "Ihsan" (excellence) in the Quran, which encourages striving for the best in all endeavors.
Ramadan Impact: This reinforces the importance of self improvement in all areas of life, leading to better people, parents, spouses, and leaders.
As a professional coach, I believe these principles are vital for navigating both personal and professional challenges. If you're seeking to enhance your leadership skills and overcome life's hurdles, I'm here to help.
For more leadership content, subscribe to my newsletter and explore my coaching services at: www.glehago.com
May this Ramadan be a time of profound transformation for all. Let's carry the lessons of discipline, empathy, reflection, and community into our leadership and daily lives.
Ramadan Kareem to everyone who observes Ramadan!
#RamadanKareem #Leadership #SelfDiscipline #Empathy #Reflection #Community #PersonalGrowth #Quran #Taqwa #Ihsan #Tadabbur #LeadershipCoaching
Chief Transformation Officer & Contract Director
6 小时前As a Senior Leader in my organisation, I found your insights on linking leadership to Ramadan practices truly inspiring. Your points are valuable for anyone aspiring to or currently in leadership roles. Thank you, Glenn, for posting this and making this content easy to understand
Founder & CEO | Advisor | Board | Technology | Executive & Leadership Coach
9 小时前As a fellow coach, I resonate with your emphasis on personal growth and continuous improvement. Ramadan provides a unique opportunity for self-reflection and development. Your insights are a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their leadership skills.
Chief Operating Officer - Global CX Transformation and Strategy Leader, driving operational excellence with innovation and business analytics. Repeatedly produced sustained revenue and EBITDA growth.
2 天前Ramadan is a time of reflection and kindness. May its spirit bring us all closer in understanding and unity. Ramadan is not only about fasting, but about patience, gratitude, and reflection. Wishing you a blessed month! Happy Ramadan.
Wishing you a blessed Ramadhan filled with spiritual and worldly prosperity.
Social Media Specialist at Agoda
2 天前Ramadan Mubarak Glenn! May this month bring you peace, blessings, and abundant joy. May your fasts and prayers be accepted, and may you find inner strength and spiritual growth throughout this holy month ??