The journey is short, and it’s worth every step. And remember, you’re not alone in this. If I can do it, so can you. Let’s continue inspiring and making an impact, one day at a time.
Chaos Behind Being a Rotaractor
November 16, 2024
Being a youth leader is a rewarding yet demanding role. It’s a great privilege to shape young minds, guide them through challenges, and inspire them to reach their fullest potential. However, with that excitement comes intense pressure, countless hours, and the constant challenge of balancing work and life. I’ve had my fair share of long nights, brainstorming sessions with my team, and moments where I questioned everything. But through it all, I’ve learned a few strategies that help me manage my workload and maintain my sanity (most of the time).
Building genuine relationships is the core of effective youth leadership. One of the most important lessons I learned as a leader was that I used to believe nobody could execute my vision as well as I could. But the truth is, if we want our team to lead, we need to provide opportunities for everyone in the team to take on leadership roles. This prepares them to face any challenge and helps them view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. It will help them develop essential skills, build confidence, feel a sense of ownership, and, most importantly, it helped me focus on strategic thinking.
As a leader, creating a positive and inclusive group culture where everyone feels valued and respected is essential. Encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support is key, as is promoting positive values such as empathy, kindness, and respect. I’m a big believer in schedules, but with the unpredictable nature of this role, it’s also essential to be adaptable. I keep my day reserved for work that needs my undivided attention. I handle meetings and critical tasks in the evening. This way, I have the flexibility to address anything that comes up during the day without losing momentum.
Your team’s greatest strength is you. If you’re burnt out, everything else will crumble. It’s not easy, but trust me, it’s necessary. I always rush to my mentors to seek support and guidance. Connecting with them and hearing their experiences can provide valuable insights and encouragement. As leaders, we’re always looking ahead to the next milestone, but I’ve realized the importance of acknowledging small victories. It might be an increase in membership, a positive impact, or a team member’s growth. Celebrating these moments keeps me motivated and reminds me of how far we’ve come.
A leader’s life is a rollercoaster. There will be high highs and low lows. Learn to embrace the journey. Every failure is a lesson, and every success is a stepping stone. What’s important is not to lose sight of why you started in the first place. Keep that mission front and center, always reminding yourself that your vision is making a difference in the lives of young people. Balancing work as a youth leader is not about perfection. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for you and your purpose. There will be days when everything goes according to plan, and then there will be days when it all falls apart. That’s okay. The key is to keep moving forward.
Rtr. Haneef Mohamed
Tags :
Blog