Primary anchor: Our core values serve as a foundation for the way we live our lives, conduct business, and interact with others.
AS I begin to write this piece, I am reminded of the importance of assigning purpose to everything we do each day.
This ensures that we are not driven by current market forces into volatility, potentially ending up in chaos.
Reflecting on the past year, it is incredible how much I packed into it to make up for time and opportunities lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The whirlwind of hectic travels, punishing schedules at work and demands of life took a toll on me towards the end of the year.
I came to realise a few things: I am not superwoman; living life at breakneck speed risks breaking my neck at that speed; the need to prioritise or be “vaporised”; while there is a time to work, the time to rest is absolutely essential; and last but not least, the need to rediscover my true north in an increasingly disrupted world.
Finding true north
Of course, the true north I am referring to is not the one on a compass. Instead, I am referring to our personal true north – the inner calling that serves as our guide on the path of being our genuine selves.
Harvard Business School professor Bill George, who popularised the expression “discover your true north”, also authored a book with the same title.
While the concept of “finding your true north” initially referred to the north point on a physical compass, George clarifies that uncovering your true north is actually about aligning with your internal compass.
As humans, we often err and there will be times when we may temporarily lose sight of our values.
During these times, we have to rely on our internal compasses and if pointed towards our true north, we will have no problems staying on course.
Core values
Our true north must be anchored by our core values, which serve as a foundation for the way we live our lives, conduct business, and interact with others.
Core values are deeply ingrained and often influence the priorities and ethical standards of individuals or entities.
For example, the core values of the organisation I am with are integrity, humility and excellence. After working here for more than 30 years, my personal core values are aligned with the organisation’s. These values very often dictate many of the decisions I make and definitely guide the actions I may take.
Integrity generally refers to the quality of being honest, having strong moral principles, and adhering to ethical standards. It involves maintaining consistency in actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes.
In short, it means doing what is right, even when no one is looking.
One of the most important aspects that many overlook is being honest with oneself, which is something we have to look out for.
Next is humility – a quality or characteristic that involves recognising our own frailty and the small part we play in God’s overall plan.
It is also about acknowledging our limitations and recognising that we are able to do what we do because someone else has enabled, empowered and engendered our achievements.
As they say, no man is an island and “I did it my way” is but a song by someone failing to appreciate the contributions of others along the way.
Therefore, let’s not be boastful or pretentious about our own importance, success or abilities.
Instead, continue to learn as every circumstance offers new insights and every challenge offers new opportunities for growth and development.
And last but not least, the pursuit of excellence.
In all that we do, we should always give our very best. Learn to enjoy what we do, so that striving to do our best brings satisfaction to the soul. Even if we fail, we would have succeeded in our learning and in having done our best.
Star Wars fans would recall Master Yoda’s advice to Luke: “Do or do not. There is no try”.
Don’t be disheartened by failure, and do not be carried away by success. Remember, excellence exists alongside humility.
Authenticity
At the end of the day, we need to be real – true to ourselves and genuine to others.
In a world of imperfection, I hold true to what my favourite poet John Keats says, “Beauty in truth, truth beauty”, where being genuine and authentic gains traction as a trait we gravitate to in the leaders we choose to follow.
An authentic leader is someone who leads with transparency, and who aligns their actions, values and beliefs.
Because such leaders are genuine and true to themselves and others, this helps foster an environment of trust and open communication, thus building meaningful connections and braving vulnerability.
This leadership style that takes responsibility and acts with accountability will go a long way to inspire and empower others through a sincere and ethical approach.
As it has been shown, leaders who prioritise authenticity are better positioned to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and contribute to the long-term success of their organisations.
Be kind to yourself
Before we can change the world, we must begin with an inward reflection of ourselves.
Simply put, in order to take care of others, we must start by taking care of ourselves – just like in an aeroplane where they tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others during an emergency.
This is a valuable reminder to treat oneself with kindness and understanding.
Taking care of our mental and emotional well-being is important. Practising self-care that contributes to our overall good health and well-being is part of living a purpose-driven life, aligning actions, decisions and goals with a sense of purpose or meaning that goes beyond personal fulfilment.
So, dear readers, let us start the new year with a clear sense of purpose; make it a point to remember to infuse actions with meaning and direction. This intentional approach can contribute to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven year ahead.
Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee is the chief executive officer of Sunway Education Group. A veteran in the field of private higher education, Prof Lee is also an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognised both locally and internationally for her contributions to the field of education. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
