As leaders, we have the responsibility to cultivate a culture of collective success in order to have an impact on employees and build a successful organization.  

Leadership and culture start with those chosen to “lead”.   It is our responsibility to be a positive influence by inspiring our people to give and do their best each day.  This begins with cultivating a culture in which people know they are fully supported and their personal/professional growth is important to you.  A culture where the team knows and feels that their success means the team is successful and vice versa.  

Looking back on nearly 7 years of my career in Rwanda, I am incredibly thankful for the fires along the way which tested me to the core.  God knew I needed major refining and sent all these learning opportunities.  Coupled with great opportunities, the fires have certainly molded me into a better person constantly in competition to beat the person I was yesterday.   I wouldn’t change a thing because I have learned A LOT about leadership,

Here are some of the lessons learned which I hope at least one will resonate and inspire you. 

1. Leaders bring the team together NOT pin them against each other to cause division.  
2. Leaders look out for each member of the team NOT compete against them.   
3. Leaders offer constructive criticism and praise to their people to help them grow. 
4. Leaders welcome criticism as a way to find and act on areas of improvement. 
5. Leaders use their position to inspire, NOT to demean or bring down others. 
6. Leaders set a good example for the team to follow. 
7. Leaders work to find out why team members aren’t performing and takes take necessary action to inspire performance.  
8. Leaders ensure team can share their best ideas and act upon them. 
9. Leaders ensure the team can speak up on issues without fear of retaliation to ensure team spirit and performance don’t suffer. 
10. Leaders always inspire team spirit and cultivate COLLECTIVE SUCCESS.

When called upon to lead people, dare to be the leader who builds a culture where your children shall thrive.  It starts with believing in and daily working to cultivate the great harvest of collective success.