Leadership à la Carte: Here's How I Serve Up Leadership
- Jasminh Nguyen
- Sep 8, 2024
- 5 min read
Understanding your leadership style is like preparing a signature dish—it requires thought, balance, and a mix of flavors that suit your palate. Whether you're working in hospitality or any field where teamwork is the main ingredient, finding your leadership flavor doesn’t have to be a formal, stuffy process. It can be as delightful as sprinkling in some of your top 3 favorite ingredients!
What's on the table?
One thing about me is that I am a FOODIE! And as a passionate foodie, I love to try new recipes and eat at restaurants I have never been to before. Cooking, however, is a different story. Cooking has always been a creative outlet for me, and I have gained the hands-on experience of working in a local mom and pop shop where I got my first taste of leadership.
From my previous experience working in a kitchen, I learned that leadership is similar to a buffet with a variety of delicious dishes to choose from. It's not a one-size-fits-all concept, but more like a colorful mix of different flavors and styles. To truly find your unique leadership philosophy, it's essential to savor the diverse options and have fun exploring each one!
Let’s explore my top picks from the leadership menu!
1. My values are the secret sauce
Every great dish has a secret sauce, and in my leadership kitchen, that sauce is built on values. Just like a recipe’s core ingredients, my values shape every decision I make. I like to call them the "3 C’s" of leadership:
Consistency is the base of any well-prepared dish, consistency is key. It’s how I build self-discipline, foster accountability, and create a reliable environment.
Commitment requires time and patience. It means I stay dedicated to the goal, even when the heat’s on.
Compassion is the spice that makes everything richer. Compassion adds warmth and connection to leadership, helping build meaningful relationships—just like a dash of cinnamon to your morning coffee.
If I could add another, I would also say that I highly value integrity, which to me, means doing the right thing even if no one's cooking. Oops, I mean if no one's looking!
2. Articles that nourish my leadership philosophy
It is important to continuously improve yourself by learning new techniques. Here are a few articles that have truly impacted my leadership journey.
This article is based on Sheryl Sandberg's TED Talk, "Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders," which has been incredibly impactful for me. This article and her TED Talk encourages me to take more of an active role in my career and other aspects of life. The article reiterates Sandberg's claim of the importance of self-confidence and ambition, urging women to assert themselves and take leadership positions.
Showing vulnerability and being vulnerable in no way means that you are weak. Instead, vulnerability reflects the true strength inside of us. It allows others to understand that you are also human and it is the key to most, if not all human connections. Without vulnerability, we cannot be transparent with others and with ourselves. Being vulnerable means being authentic and being true to yourself instead of pretending to be someone you are not.
What is this "golden circle?" Simon Sinek explains that it is the way leaders behave inside out, like a well-crafted recipe. This golden circle has the elements of “why,” “how,” and “what.” But of these three components, Sinek stresses that all great leaders know their “why." Knowing the "why" poses a greater impact in leadership because our audience and followers act on purpose. His philosophy is “people don’t buy what you do; people buy why you do it.” It’s the secret ingredient to attracting like-minded individuals who are hungry for the same vision.
3. Quotes that spice up my leadership
Just like how a pinch of the right spice can elevate a dish, these quotes have flavored my leadership philosophy. I keep them on hand like my favorite seasoning blend—always ready to sprinkle when I need a boost.
“Sometimes you have no control over the results but you have control over the process.” (From an Armchair Expert Podcast)
I listen to podcasts when music becomes overstimulating. I particularly enjoy listening to Dax Shephard's show, Armchair Expert. In one episode he said this and I wrote it down instantly because of how moving it was. It is one of my favorite mantras because it helps me remember the importance of focusing on the process and putting in the effort to make progress, rather than solely fixating on the end result. By controlling the process, we can increase our chances of achieving the desired outcome and also develop skills and habits that will benefit us in the long run.
“Positivity doesn’t mean you’re always happy. It’s when you can show resolve when things aren’t going your way.” (From the same Armchair Expert Podcast episode as the previous)
You can still maintain a positive outlook on things, without actually having to feel happy about it. Positivity is also about maintaining a strong and determined attitude even when things are tough or not going as planned. This quote reminds me to be resilient and keep a hopeful outlook despite challenges.
“Life goes on.” - Mr. Fulks
Can you think of a teacher that has had a tremendous impact on you? Mr. Fulks was my AP World History teacher from high school and he was incredible. I am sure he was not the first person to say that "life goes on" but I have never been told that until he did. This quote serves as a comforting reminder that no matter what happens, life will always move forward, and there’s always another opportunity to make things better.
4. Movies that cook up inspiration
Sometimes, the best leadership lessons come from the most unexpected places—like the movies! Here are a few that have added some flavor to my leadership journey:
Barbenheimer? Do you remember this cultural phenomenon?
To Barbie, leadership is more than wearing a fancy suit or having a loud voice (cough, Ken). Leadership is about your own voice and remembering that you cannot always do everything alone. Sometimes it is easier to collaborate and work in a team.
Oppenheimer is about leading with confidence in times of challenge and uncertainty. With that, in team settings, a good leader can identify ones strengths and weaknesses to find balance.
Hidden Figures is a perfect example of what the power of strength, intelligence, and perseverance can do. The three brilliant women in this film taught me the importance of working together and overcoming adversity.
5. These famous leaders inspire me
Who are my leadership role models? Here are the people who have set the table with inspiration:
Rihanna
Yes, Rihanna is a true music icon but she is also an incredible businesswoman! She has built an empire by being unapologetically herself and she stands by her mission of inclusivitiy and philanthropy.
Mulan
This Disney Princess was my idol as a child. Mulan demonstrates leadership that’s as bold as the spicy red curry wonton soup I made last night. She had to earn the trust of her colleagues by working alongside them and never gave up on her goals.
Michelle Obama
As a former First Lady, Michelle Obama’s initiatives were literally like a nourishing, balanced meal— she focused on health, education, and exercise. Her grace, intelligence, and commitment make her a role model for leaders across all fields.
Embrace what you got on the plate!
So, can you get a taste of my leadership style from my top three favorites from each category? Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting to craft your recipe, remember that leadership is a mix of all different kinds of values and experience. There’s no "right way: to cook up success. Embrace your unique flavor, experiment with different ingredients, and let your leadership journey be a dish that reflects the best of you!
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