I actively coach my team and fight for their promotions & compensation when they deserve it. However, no matter what you do, people will always have something to say. Some ask, "Do you ever regret coaching a team that might surpass you?". This morning, I reflected on such comments and concluded: I have no regrets. In leadership, the real threat is not being outshined by your mentees. It's becoming stagnant while others evolve. There's a saying, "Train your team so well they can leave, treat them so well they don't want to." If you're interested to dive deeper into my thought process, please read on. Enjoy!
stop fixing, start leading
At work, there's always a high performer who becomes the go-to problem solver. With their strong work ethic, they will happily go beyond their job scope and take on problems outside their control to ensure positive outcomes for the company. But this is where things start to get ugly. They find themselves constantly fixing last-minute crises, stepping in where others won’t, and carrying a weight that’s not fully theirs. Over time, it leads to high stress and exhaustion. Sound familiar? If your heart is silently screaming "YES"👌🏻, then this article is for you. Let's explore how to shift from a very stressful "fixer" to a leader who empowers others and avoids burnout.
your work is always impactful
The meaning you give work determines its difficulty. A coder working on a passion project works 12 hours straight and calls it energizing. That same programmer, doing maintenance on legacy code they consider meaningless, feels exhausted after 2 hours. Your relationship with the work shapes its weight more than the work itself.
fast-track burnout recovery ritual
Have you ever felt so drained that even sleep couldn't fix it? That was me today. I couldn't get out of bed. No energy. No motivation. Not even the will to smile. I followed my rapid recovery ritual and, almost instantly, I finally felt like myself again. This ritual is focusing on creating small wins, because progress, no matter how tiny, keeps me moving. Having these rituals helps me stay resilient, no matter what life throws at me. And in any career, resilient isn't just useful, it's essential for growth and success. Life is an adventure where progress and challenges make everything exciting. If you see life the same way, maybe this strategy will work for you too!
pausing and thinking, active inactions
Thinking and contemplating are forms of active inaction. These are purposeful pauses to process, reflect, and plan. I know, in today's hustle culture, contemplating sounds unproductive. But when done right, it brings us clarity and time, to learn and strategise effectively.
Blogpost Review: The Nine Box Matrix
So often, we treat everyone the same. You must know how your team members are performing, what future potential they have, what motivates them, how they desire recognition, and the way to treat them based on their personal desires. While we all want a team of stars, everyone is at a different place in life, and that’s okay. Many people are content being solid professionals; thank them for that. Inconsistent players can be a great asset to your organization. Rough diamonds are learners. Each category is unique. Know your people, treat them accordingly, and lead well!
beneath human relationships
Relationships is vital, yet complex. We often misunderstand each other, misinterpret cues, and struggle to truly know even those closest to us. This post explores the hidden layers of human interaction, offering insights on how to communicate more effectively, understanding the dynamic nature of personality, and build stronger bonds in both our personal and professional lives.
start small, big changes, a better life
I used to see life as divided into two main time zones: working and everything else (learning, having fun, or simply doing what I wanted). I gave my all to my work, but outside of that, I lived without much structure. In short, I had no discipline. Then, I married someone who is the complete opposite, a deeply disciplined person and very accomplished. Now, I see the true yield of discipline. Witnessing my husband’s example has inspired me to train myself to build discipline—slowly, with intention, and with compassion for myself.
Isabel Mind Mine Newsletter – slow down; to be, without being in a rush
I am quite good at rushing—at doing things in a high-intensity, high-pressure way. But, I’m better off when I remember to take my time, to realize that the journey is long and it should be treated with patience. This is the muscle I have spent the last two years or so cultivating: the ability to be, without being in a rush. Because I want to be ready for the sprints to come, but I don’t want to be someone who goes out of my way to find them, who seeks out the rush just to feel normal. I want to remember that going slower isn’t worse; and sometimes it’s the only way to build the strength we need to go fast.
Book Review: Crying in H Mart (a memoir of food and grief)
I ended up reading and listening to 3 versions of this book on Libby because it took me over 3 weeks to finish it, balancing between work deadlines and expiring library loans! 😂 This memoir is so good and relatable for me, and I believe for many others as well. It tells a universal story about being a daughter, finding yourself, and the complex relationship we have with our parents. The author, Michelle Zauner, shares her memories with her mother, which are mostly tied to the flavors and traditions of Korean dishes. Her mom, just like my dad, truly savored every bite of her meals. My most cherished moments with my dad revolve around discovering and enjoying food together.
The Hayyan Chronicle 