Leadership Lesson: The Power of Presence and Tradition

Story: “A quarter-century of absence melted away in a single embrace.” After 25 long years, my mother was finally here, standing in my kitchen, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. Her presence on my birthday was a testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son. The aroma of her homemade payesh filled the air, a sweet reminder of the love and care she had always showered upon me, even from afar.

The significance of payesh in Bengali life is immense. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a connection to our roots. The tradition of having payesh on birthdays has been passed down through generations. Each spoonful of payesh carries the love, care, and affection of our mothers.Adding to the celebration, my wife prepared an array of unparalleled special dishes. Each dish was crafted with love as the spice, care as the ingredient, and affection as the main content. Her culinary creations were a testament to her dedication and love for me.This heartfelt celebration underscores the importance of presence, tradition, and the love that binds families together.

Leadership Lesson: The story teaches us that true leadership is about being present and honoring traditions. Just as the mother and wife showed their love through their actions, leaders can demonstrate their commitment by being present and respecting the values and traditions of their team.

Implementation in Daily Life:

1. Be Present:

Explanation: Being present means more than just being physically there; it involves active engagement and genuine interest in your team’s activities and well-being.

Application: Attend important meetings, listen actively during conversations, and show empathy towards your team members’ concerns. For example, if a team member is facing a personal challenge, take the time to check in and offer support.

Personal Example: If you know a team member is struggling with a family issue, you could send a supportive message or offer flexible working hours to help them manage their situation better.

2. Honor Traditions:

Explanation: Traditions and values form the backbone of any team or organization. Recognizing and celebrating these can foster a sense of belonging and respect.

Application: Celebrate team milestones, birthdays, and cultural events. For instance, if your team has a tradition of Friday afternoon catch-ups, make sure to participate and encourage others to join.

Personal Example: If your team has a tradition of celebrating birthdays with a cake, make sure to organize it and perhaps add a personal touch by including a handwritten card for the birthday person.

3. Show Appreciation:

Explanation: Acknowledging the efforts and contributions of your team members can boost morale and motivation.

Application: Regularly express gratitude for your team’s hard work. This can be through verbal appreciation, thank-you notes, or small rewards. For example, if someone goes above and beyond on a project, publicly acknowledge their effort in a team meeting.

Personal Example: If a team member has put in extra hours to meet a deadline, you could send them a thank-you email and copy their manager to highlight their dedication

4. Lead by Example:

Explanation: Demonstrating the values and behaviors you expect from your team sets a standard and inspires others to follow.

Application: If you value punctuality, make sure you are always on time. If you expect dedication, show your commitment through your actions. For instance, if there’s a tight deadline, work alongside your team to meet it.

Personal Example: If you expect your team to be proactive in problem-solving, make sure you are also taking initiative and addressing issues promptly.

5. Create Memorable Moments:

Explanation: Positive and memorable experiences can strengthen team bonds and create a supportive work environment.

Application: Organize team-building activities, celebrate successes, and spend quality time with your team. For example, plan a team outing or a fun activity to celebrate the completion of a major project.

Personal Example: After completing a challenging project, you could organize a team lunch or a fun outing to celebrate the hard work and success.

By incorporating these principles into your daily leadership practice, you can create a more cohesive, motivated, and engaged team.

#Leadership #TeamBuilding #Tradition #Presence #EmployeeEngagement