Eureka Moments of Leadership

The Power of a $2 Lesson: Defining Your Values in Your Leadership Journey What defines you as a leader? Is it your achievements, or is it the values that guide your actions? Leadership is not just about reaching goals but about the principles we choose to live by. Often, it’s the small, seemingly insignificant moments that shape our values and influence our leadership journey. These moments teach us what truly matters, both in life and in leadership. One such moment happened to me when I was seven. I remember calling my father from home one morning before heading to school for the afternoon session. All my classmates had sticker books, and I just had to get one that day. The idea of waiting another day wasn’t even an option. So, without hesitation, I picked up the phone and called my father at work, demanding, “I need $2. Everyone has a sticker book, and I need to buy one this afternoon!” I wasn’t willing to wait for another time; it had to happen now. To my surprise, my father left the office, came home, and gave me the $2. But instead of scolding me, he gave me a look—a long, silent look that seemed to ask, “Why are you so self-centered? You can’t wait another day?” He didn’t need to say much more; his expression said enough. Looking back, I’m a little ashamed of how selfish I was in that moment. That incident stood in stark contrast to the values my father had always taught me: “When you have more, you have to give.” My father grew up in a large family in rural Singapore, where money was tight, and sharing was necessary. He was one of ten siblings, but the only one to make it to university, thanks to teachers who supported him. This experience instilled in him a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to paying it forward, which he passed on to me. Pete Rogers shared a similar 'sticker book' moment in his TED Talk Great Leadership Begins with Three Commitments. He reflected on a time when his mother asked him, “Is this the best you can do?” after he failed to keep a promise. That question became a turning point in his life, pushing him to hold himself to a higher standard. Rogers also highlighted three key leadership commitments: 1. Striving for Excellence: Rogers encouraged leaders not to settle for mediocrity but to continually push themselves and their teams to ask, “Is this the best we can do?” This mindset, he explained, fosters self-reflection and constant improvement, driving growth for both leaders and their teams. 2. Valuing Consistency Over Intensity: According to Rogers, true leadership is about showing up consistently, not just in moments of intensity. He emphasized that steady, ongoing efforts build trust and foster a culture of perseverance, as small but consistent actions lead to long-term success. 3. Practicing Gratitude and Generosity: Rogers discussed how leadership is about more than personal success—it’s about lifting others. He stressed the importance of appreciating the good around us and extending generosity to others, creating a positive environment that nurtures growth and collaboration. Leadership isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder or delivering results; it’s about defining the higher standards we set for ourselves. Reflecting on the lessons from my father and the values I've adopted, I began to think about my own leadership philosophy. It’s a good exercise to write out a leadership statement that reflects the values you believe in. For me, leadership is about more than just managing tasks or hitting targets—it’s about raising the potential in others and the organizations I serve. My leadership statement is this: “I strive to raise the potential in others, whether individually or as part of a team, and to elevate the potential of the organizations I serve. My goal is to develop and empower people to reach their full potential, while ensuring they grow alongside the organization. I believe leadership is about fostering growth, creating opportunities, and always paying it forward.” What values define your leadership? Take a moment to reflect and consider writing your own leadership statement—one that captures the higher standards you aim to uphold for yourself and your team.