Name: Bensson Samuel

Title: CEO

Organisation: Samuelson Enterprises, PLLC

Professor Bensson Samuel is an accomplished academic leader and health professional with an impressive array of qualifications that span various fields. He holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship, which equips him with the knowledge to foster innovation and drive business-related initiatives. His Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Health showcases his commitment to addressing health challenges on an international scale.

Additionally, he earned a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in Organizational Leadership, enhancing his capabilities in leading and managing organizations effectively. With a Doctorate of Medicine, Professor Samuel possesses a profound understanding of health and medical sciences, complementing his public health background. He has also pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law, providing him with insights into the legal frameworks that affect global health and business practices.

Furthermore, his Doctorate in Education reflects his dedication to teaching and shaping future leaders, while his training as a Leadership Training Course (LTC) graduate at the Center for Counterterrorism underlines his expertise in security and crisis management. Currently, he serves as the Chancellor of Unilogos University, where he spearheads academic initiatives and fosters an environment of learning and innovation.

In addition, Professor Samuel is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, where he shares his vast knowledge and experience with students, preparing them for careers in diverse and impactful fields. His multifaceted expertise and leadership roles underscore his commitment to education, health, and global community development.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Bensson's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

Building trust is foundational for any successful leader. Here's how to cultivate it with employees, customers, and stakeholders:

1. Transparency and Honesty:

* Be open and upfront: Share information, even when it's challenging.

* Acknowledge mistakes: Don't try to hide them. Instead, take responsibility and explain how you're addressing them.

* Communicate consistently: Keep everyone informed about important decisions and progress.

2. Integrity and Ethical Behavior:

* Lead by example: Demonstrate the highest ethical standards in all your actions.

* Be fair and impartial: Treat everyone equitably and avoid favoritism.

* Uphold your commitments: Keep your promises and follow the

ough on your commitments.

3. Active Listening and Empathy:

* Truly listen to others' perspectives: Pay attention to their concerns and needs.

* Show empathy and understanding: Put yourself in their shoes and try to see things from their point of view.

* Value their input: Acknowledge and consider their feedback and suggestions.

4. Delivering on Promises:

* Set realistic expectations: Don't overpromise and underdeliver.

* Follow through on commitments: Consistently meet deadlines and fulfill obligations.

* Celebrate successes: Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of others.

5. Building Relationships:

* Invest time in building relationships: Get to know your employees, customers, and stakeholders on a personal level.

* Show genuine interest in their well-being: Care about their success and happiness.

* Create a positive and supportive environment: Foster a culture of trust and collaboration.

6. Demonstrating Competence and Expertise:

* Continuously develop your skills and knowledge: Stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

* Make sound decisions: Demonstrate strong judgment and decision-making abilities.

* Achieve results: Deliver on key objectives and drive successful outcomes.

7. Showing Vulnerability:

* Acknowledge your limitations: Be open about your own weaknesses and areas for growth. * Ask for help when needed: Demonstrate that you're not afraid to seek guidance and support.

* Be willing to learn and grow: Continuously strive for self-improvement.

By consistently demonstrating these principles, leaders can build strong, trusting relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders, which is essential for long-term success.

Building trust takes time and consistent effort. It's an ongoing process that requires continuous attention and dedication.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

Mission and vision are fundamental concepts that guide individuals and organizations in their pursuits and decision-making processes.

**Mission** refers to the core purpose or reason for existence. In real life, it encapsulates what you aim to achieve or contribute to the world. For individuals, a personal mission might involve values and goals that define their actions, such as helping others, pursuing knowledge, or fostering creativity. In an organizational context, a mission statement articulates the company’s primary objectives and the impact it seeks to have on its stakeholders.

**Vision**, on the other hand, represents the aspirational future or the desired outcome you hope to achieve. It serves as a guiding star, inspiring and motivating individuals and teams toward a common goal. In personal terms, a vision might involve long-term dreams or ambitions, such as becoming a leader in a field or making a positive change in the community. For organizations, a vision statement outlines where the company sees itself in the future, often including larger goals and the broader impact it wishes to create.

In essence, mission is about the "what" and "why" of your actions, while vision is about the "where" you want to go. Both are essential for providing direction, fostering growth, and ensuring that daily activities align with larger purposes and aspirations.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

Empowering people is a crucial aspect of effective leadership. Here are several ways a leader can empower their team:

1. **Encourage Autonomy**: Allow team members to take ownership of their tasks by giving them the freedom to make decisions. This builds confidence and fosters a sense of responsibility.

2. **Provide Resources and Training**: Invest in the development of your team by providing access to training, tools, and resources. This helps them build skills and enhances their ability to perform effectively.

3. **Promote Open Communication**: Create an environment where open dialogue is encouraged. Listen actively to team members’ ideas and concerns, and ensure they feel heard and valued.

4. **Set Clear Goals**: Help team members understand the organization's vision and their role in achieving it. Setting clear, achievable goals allows them to see how their contributions matter.

5. **Recognize and Celebrate Achievements**: Acknowledge individual and team accomplishments. Recognition boosts morale and reinforces a positive culture.

6. **Foster Collaboration**: Encourage teamwork and collaboration among team members. Working together can lead to innovative solutions and a stronger sense of community.

7. **Lead by Example**: Demonstrate the behaviors you want to see in your team. By modeling integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic, you inspire others to follow suit.

8. **Encourage Problem-Solving**: Instead of providing immediate solutions, encourage team members to think critically and come up with their own ideas for solving challenges. This builds confidence and fosters innovation.

9. **Provide Constructive Feedback**: Offer regular, constructive feedback that guides improvement. Focus on strengths and areas for growth, helping individuals understand how they can develop.

10. **Create a Safe Environment**: Establish a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning rather than failures. This encourages risk-taking and creativity.

By focusing on these strategies, leaders can cultivate an empowered workforce that is motivated, engaged, and equipped to contribute to the organization’s success.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

A coach that I can remember was a faculty member of the School of Allied Health at the University of Connecticut. At a time in my life when I was a student pursuing a dream of becoming a Physician and an academic scholar, the only thing that I could think of was the financial difficulty and the distress of not having a good support system. His words to me were,” No matter what you are going through, remember your dream and you will find a way to get there.”

I did that no matter what I went through, and was able to pursue it, and a year later, I was able to fulfill my dream.

Thank you, Dr.Dennis Coble

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

Maintaining focus in a leadership role is crucial for effective decision-making and team guidance. Here are several strategies that leaders can employ to stay focused:

1. **Set Clear Priorities**: Identify and communicate the most important goals and objectives. Focusing on a few key priorities helps prevent distractions and ensures that efforts are aligned with the organization’s vision.

2. **Practice Mindfulness**: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, into your routine. This can enhance concentration and help clear mental clutter.

3. **Limit Multitasking**: Focus on one task at a time instead of juggling multiple responsibilities. This leads to higher quality work and better outcomes.

4. **Delegate Effectively**: Recognize the strengths of your team members and delegate tasks accordingly. This not only empowers your team but also allows you to concentrate on higher-level strategic initiatives.

5. **Establish Boundaries**: Set boundaries around your time and availability. Designate specific times for meetings, emails, and other communications to minimize interruptions.

6. **Use Technology Wisely**: Leverage tools and technology to streamline tasks and improve organization. Project management software and communication platforms can help keep everyone on track without overwhelming you.

7. **Regularly Review Goals**: Periodically assess progress towards your goals. This helps maintain focus on what truly matters and allows for adjustments when necessary.

8. **Create a Positive Work Environment**: Foster an environment that promotes focus and productivity. This includes reducing distractions and encouraging a culture of respect and collaboration.

9. **Seek Feedback**: Regularly ask for feedback from your team. This not only helps you stay aligned with their needs but also reinforces a culture of open communication.

10. **Reflect and Adjust**: Take time to reflect on your leadership approach and the impact of your decisions. Being open to adjusting your strategies based on reflection can enhance focus and effectiveness.

By implementing these strategies, leaders can maintain focus on their roles, ensuring they lead their teams effectively while navigating the complexities of their responsibilities.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

Effective planning is essential for achieving goals and maintaining productivity. Here’s a structured approach to planning for the week, month, and years ahead:

### Weekly Planning

1. **Review Objectives**: At the start of each week, review your short-term goals and priorities. This may include team objectives, ongoing projects, and personal tasks.

2. **Set Specific Goals**: Identify 2-3 key objectives for the week that align with your overall goals. Make sure these are specific, measurable, and achievable.

3. **Create a Schedule**: Block out time in your calendar for focused work on these objectives. Schedule meetings, deadlines, and important tasks, ensuring a balanced workload.

4. **Daily Check-ins**: At the end of each day, review what you accomplished and adjust your plan for the next day as needed. This helps maintain momentum and accountability.

### Monthly Planning

1. **Reflect on Progress**: At the beginning of each month, reflect on the previous month’s achievements and challenges. Assess what worked well and what needs improvement.

2. **Set Monthly Goals**: Establish broader goals for the month that contribute to your quarterly or annual objectives. These could include team performance metrics, project milestones, or personal development goals.

3. **Plan Projects**: Break down larger projects into smaller tasks, assigning deadlines and responsibilities. This helps ensure that you stay on track throughout the month.

4. **Schedule Reviews**: Set aside time for mid-month reviews to assess progress towards your goals and make necessary adjustments.

### Long-term Planning (Years Ahead)

1. **Define Vision and Values**: Clearly articulate your long-term vision and the values that guide your leadership. This serves as a foundation for all planning efforts.

2. **Set Strategic Goals**: Develop strategic goals that align with your vision. These should span multiple years and include key performance indicators to measure success.

3. **Create a Roadmap**: Develop a roadmap outlining major milestones and initiatives that will help you achieve your long-term goals. This should include timelines and resources needed.

4. **Regularly Review and Adjust**: Schedule annual or bi-annual reviews to assess progress towards long-term goals. Adjust your strategies as necessary based on changing circumstances or new opportunities.

5. **Invest in Development**: Plan for personal and professional development by identifying skills you want to acquire or areas where you want to grow. This ensures you remain adaptable and effective as a leader.

By systematically planning at these different levels, you can create a cohesive strategy that keeps you focused, accountable, and aligned with your long-term vision while effectively managing day-to-day responsibilities.