# data[].attributes.headline
Interview with a Filipino Non-Government Organization leader

# data[].attributes.subject
Interview with a Filipino Non-Government Organization leader

# data[].attributes.body
1. Could you tell us about the work your organization does and how it impacts the community?

The organization I belong to is a non-profit organization wherein we aim to make Jesus Christ known, reaching young people and winning their soul. The impact of this to the community is for them to be able to experience Jesus Christ in their lives and live a life of faith.

2. What is your role within the organization, and what responsibilities does it involve?

My role in the organization is being the marketing team head and the responsibilities involved are the posting of content on time, regular meetings, and my team members. Of course, my team members are also my responsibility since I lead them, being a leader is not easy since you will have to handle a lot of people.

3. Looking back, is there a particular challenge or learning moment in your leadership journey that stands out? How did it help you grow as a leader?

A particular challenge of our team involved not being able to post content on time, since my volunteers are just students, I adjust to what they can bring to the table. Sometimes, what I say to them is "even if we can't post on time but as long as we post it, it is all good." I as a working person have to adjust to their environment since I too was once a student. It helped me grow my communication with them as well as my understanding.

4. Who has influenced your approach to leadership, and what qualities do you admire in them?

My teacher in High school who never gave up on me, since I was just a happy-go-lucky kid in high school, he always said that I had a bigger potential hiding behind me and he never gave up on setting my path straight. Look where it ended up going, me being a leader of a non-profit organization. The same descriptions I said are the qualities I admire in him.

5. What advice would you give to those who are just starting out in leadership roles?

Advice... is to be a leader you need to be ready. Be ready for a new world, be ready to face challenges, disappointments, and be ready to handle people. Since being a leader a lot of eyes are looking at you and a lot of people are observing you, that is why you must be prepared to face everything and adapt. There are 5 things a leader must have: Communication, Adaptability, Relational, Understanding, and Commitment.

6. When faced with a tough decision, do you think that sometimes taking a step back and waiting can be helpful?

Yes, taking a step back is helpful since I am not the organization, we are a team. Taking a step back and talking about the decision as a team can give us a more cool judgement on which decision to take.

7. How do you approach situations where some team members may need a bit more support to reach their full potential?

First, I assign them work as long as they willingly accept, I don't want to force work into my volunteers. I know that they can do it but the moment they say no, I explore other options. Second, if they feel like they can't do it in my team, I sometimes let them explore other teams in which they can grow and hone their potential better.

8. Do you think that being able to connect and understand each team member personally is an essential part of being a good leader?

No more beating the bush, it's a yes. Communication is very important to be a good leader because you must know how your team functions especially in a personal level. That is why team buildings are important in organizations, to be able to know better your team and as a result will improve communications and relationships. As I end, I wanna tell you guys that being a good leader is hard.

# data[].attributes.body
1.Could you tell us about the work your organization does and how it impacts the community?

Of course! At Cooperl, we are committed to the production and processing of pork products. Our work positively impacts the community by supporting the local economy and creating jobs. We also work with local producers, promoting sustainable farming practices. Additionally, we engage in initiatives to strengthen the connection between producers and consumers, which is essential for our community.

2.What is your role within the organization, and what responsibilities does it involve?

As a quality assistant in customer follow-up, I ensure that our products meet quality standards and customer expectations. I handle customer feedback and make sure their concerns are addressed quickly. I also collaborate with production teams to improve our processes and ensure compliance with standards. It’s a dynamic role where I need to be attentive and responsive.

3.Looking back, is there a particular challenge or learning moment in your leadership journey that stands out? How did it help you grow as a leader?

Yes, I remember a time when we received several negative reviews about a specific product. It was tough, but it taught me the importance of transparency and communication with our customers. I realized that every piece of feedback is an opportunity to learn. By analyzing this feedback, I was able to propose concrete improvements, which strengthened our relationship with customers. This experience helped me grow as a leader by developing my problem-solving skills and teaching me to view challenges as opportunities for growth, both for myself and my team.

4.Who has influenced your approach to leadership, and what qualities do you admire in them?

I’d say my quality manager has really had an impact on me. He has a way of always putting the customer at the center of everything he does. What I admire about him is his patience and his ability to stay positive, even when things don’t go as planned. He has this knack for actively listening to others, which creates a real sense of trust within the team. I really try to draw inspiration from those qualities in my own leadership approach.

5.What advice would you give to those who are just starting out in leadership roles?

I would tell them to be attentive and get to know their team well. Understanding each person’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback and be open to suggestions. And above all, remember that mistakes are part of the learning process. Accept them and use them to improve.

6.When faced with a tough decision, do you think that sometimes taking a step back and waiting can be helpful?

Yes, absolutely. Taking some time to think can really help. In the quality field, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the consequences of each decision. Stepping back allows you to consider the situation from different angles and ensure that the decision made is well thought out.

7.How do you approach situations where some team members may need a bit more support to reach their full potential?

I believe the key is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable discussing their needs. If someone needs support, I make sure to provide the necessary resources, whether that’s training, mentoring, or just some time to talk. I also hold regular check-ins to see how everyone is progressing and adjust our goals if needed.

8. Do you think that being able to connect and understand each team member personally is an essential part of being a good leader?

Absolutely! Building authentic relationships with team members helps create a positive work environment. When people feel understood and supported, they are more motivated and engaged. This fosters good collaboration and helps us tackle challenges together.

# data[].attributes.body
Effective leadership is more than just guiding a team; it involves creating connections, building trust, and facing challenges together. Through interviews with the two leaders, we learned how essential open communication, empathy, and collaboration are. They emphasized that successful leadership relies on understanding and supporting each team member, which ensures a positive and productive work environment. Their insights show how a leader's approach can impact not only the team but also the community.

Both leaders stated the importance of knowing their team well. By understanding each person's strengths and weaknesses, they establish a supportive environment that enhances motivation and engagement. One leader shared a challenging experience involving negative feedback on a product. Instead of seeing this as a setback, they embraced it as an opportunity for growth. They learned that honest, open communication with customers and the team can transform challenges into valuable lessons.

Patience and thoughtful decision-making are also important traits of effective leaders. One leader mentioned the benefits of stepping back to reflect before making tough decisions, particularly in quality management. This careful consideration encourages critical thinking among team members, encouraging everyone to contribute their best work.

Moreover, both leaders stressed the importance of providing support to team members who may need it. By fostering an environment where open discussions are encouraged, offering training, and conducting regular check-ins, leaders can help their teams thrive. Investing in the growth of each individual not only strengthens the team but also creates a culture of collaboration and success. Team satisfaction can lead to a more successful work environment.

In conclusion, these insights show that being a good leader means really understanding your team, making strong connections, and focusing on helping everyone grow. Leadership isn’t just about getting results; it’s about supporting the people who achieve those results. When leaders work together with their team and offer support, they create a place where everyone can do their best. This shows that success comes from teamwork, not just individual effort.

# data[].attributes.body
The Filipino leader focuses on making Jesus Christ be known to young people. Managing a marketing team, balancing deadlines whilst having student volunteers. Inspired by a high school teacher, who he emphasized that never gave up on him. Emphasized qualities such as communication, adaptability, relational skills, understanding, and commitment, which he believe are essential for a leader to have. Additionally, he encouraged new leaders to be ready for anything, handle responsibilities, and build connections within the team. Moreover, he believed that taking a step and discussing as a team leader leads to better outcomes and enhances understanding among team member's to provide support for each other.

On the other hand, the French leader ensures product quality and meeting customer expectations through follow-ups and collaborating with the production team. They also told a tough experience regarding negative reviews and how it taught them the importance of transparency and seeing customer feedbacks as an opportunity for improvement. Influenced by a quality manager who focuses on customer care and listening to people, they draw inspiration and apply those leadership qualities to their own as well. Regarding the advise, they said that new leaders should know their team well and accept mistakes as learning experiences, and be attentive to the team members' needs. Lastly, taking a step back is also vital for them since, considering decisions thoughtfully and connecting with the team members builds a positive work environment.

Overall, both are different types of leaders but it always comes down to how being a leader requires communication, collaboration, and understanding one's team members are vital for a more successful leadership.