Know THYSELF and environment
The Mental and Physical Blueprint for Effective Leadership
Embarking on my full-time entrepreneurial journey, I've learned the importance of being in tune with myself. With a high-energy, kinetic spirit, I've adapted my environment to suit my needs, even in less ideal situations like sit-down meetings.
Back in my Xenia, Ohio days, being one of the few black kids, tackling ADHD, and dealing with my parents’ split, life was anything but simple. Back then, dealing with ADHD was a whole different ball game – think Ritalin and tough love, not much else.
A pivotal change came in third grade when I moved in with my father and stepmother in Trotwood, Ohio. My father, a reformed Marine, brought structure and discipline, significantly improving my behavior and focus. Both my parents' military backgrounds contributed to my character development.
As I navigated through college and the military, my ADHD became less of an obstacle. The military's structured environment, with its metrics, timelines, and regulations, was ideal for my brain type. However, transitioning to a corporate role, I struggled to find the same level of engagement and value, leading to my entrepreneurial ventures with The Happy Tee Ltd and Zeal Consulting. I struggled to find genuine relationships and work that made sense.
Leaders must understand and adapt to one’s mental and physical needs. Here’s the Zeal Blueprint for Effective Leadership:
Top 3 Mental Aspects of Effective Leadership
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Cultivate self-awareness and empathy to manage your emotions and understand others'.
Decision-Making Skills: Develop the ability to analyze situations swiftly and make informed, strategic choices.
Adaptability: Embrace flexibility to navigate changing circumstances and see challenges as opportunities.
Top 3 Physical Aspects of Effective Leadership
Regular Exercise: Maintain physical activity to enhance energy, focus, and well-being.
Adequate Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep for improved decision-making and cognitive function.
Stress Management: Use mindfulness, meditation, or regular breaks for effective stress management and mental clarity.
Top 3 Organizational Tips for Leaders
Set Clear Goals: Define and communicate achievable, measurable goals aligned with your team's vision.
Effective Delegation: Leverage your team's strengths through strategic task delegation.
Time Management: Prioritize tasks effectively and use tools to manage time and avoid overcommitment.
In closing, leadership is about self-care and growth, starting from within. I recently came across an IG post that made mention of being the black wolf of the family. As the "black wolf" in a family, one often carries the gift and responsibility of personal growth and breaking generational patterns. Coming from a lineage of warriors and survivors, I've learned that growth begins internally. Zeal Consulting is here to support you if you're feeling overwhelmed and seeking assistance in organizing and systematizing your business for better efficiency and energy management.
Stay tuned for more insights into leadership and business strategy as we continue to explore the journey of growth and success.
Evan Howard, Founder, CEO