Today’s Tuesday Reading is from Joshua Akkerman, Instructional Technology Specialist at College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University and a MOR program participant. Joshua may be reached at [email protected] or via LinkedIn.
The idea of ‘Returning to Earth’ is something that I’ve been thinking about… accepting… struggling with lately. Coming back from conferences with new ideas is always exciting for the first week or so, then reality sets in – emails to catch up on, work to be done, etc. I’ve found myself having to be very intentional about carving out time for my growth as a leader. Some of the homework from the MOR workshops has been around the idea of habits. All these new and fresh ideas about leadership are worthless if you don’t make them into habits and have dedicated time set for these habits – suddenly, space on my calendar is coming at a premium.
Defining Myself as a Leader
As I move forward in this journey, I have been spending time reflecting on my own development and what kind of leader I genuinely want to become. One of the core realizations for me has been that leadership isn’t about fitting into a predetermined mold—it’s about defining the type of leader I aspire to be and aligning my actions, habits, and mindset with that vision.
I’ve become more aware of the value in leaning into my strengths instead of constantly trying to reshape myself into something I’m not. For a long time, I viewed leadership as a checklist of traits I needed to acquire, many of which didn’t come naturally to me. This experience has helped me recognize that leadership can emerge from authenticity – by embracing the strengths I already possess and using them with purpose. Rather than trying to patch every perceived weakness, I’m learning to amplify the qualities that energize me and allow me to contribute meaningfully. That’s my return to earth ah-ha, I can shoot for the stars all I want, but I won’t get there without allowing myself to be myself.
My Habits Shape Me
Of course, this shift requires letting go of old habits and building new ones—and that has been its own challenge. Starting new habits, especially those that demand consistent reflection and vulnerability, isn’t easy. I’ve noticed how quickly I can slide back into patterns of overcommitment, self‑critique, or trying to “power through” rather than pause and lead with intention. Being part of my MOR cohort has shown me that growth requires discomfort, and that new habits—no matter how messy at first—can shape the leader who I’m naturally meant to be.
One last area that has become increasingly important during this process has been prioritizing my health, and I’d encourage you to do the same. Leadership development takes energy, clarity, and presence—and I’m realizing that none of that is sustainable when I neglect my well‑being. Choosing to prioritize my physical and mental health isn’t just a personal goal; it’s becoming a leadership practice. Taking care of myself helps me show up more grounded, focused, and capable of supporting others. It’s a habit I’m committed to strengthening as I continue to grow as a leader.
Which habit do you most want to work on as a leader and a person?
Last week, we asked which of the following is currently most effective for your institution:
- 31% said unify capabilities
- 31% said retain and cultivate talent
- 21% said involve stakeholders
- 17% said leverage AI
Last week we focused on the macro trends shaping our institutions. This week we focus on the daily habits that shape us and the contributions we are able to make. There is a connection: what habits that we cultivate in ourselves and in our teams will best position us to undertake the strategic changes we need?