Name: Abdullah Jewel

Title: SR. MERCHANDISER

Organisation: KNIT ASIA LIMITED.

Hello, my name is Abdullah Jewel and it is a pleasure to meet you. I am a proud resident of Narayangonj, Bangladesh and have completed my MBA. Currently, I am working as a Senior Merchandiser at Knit Asia Limited, a leading 100% export-oriented garments industry. I am also a devoted family man, blessed with a loving wife and two amazing boys.

When I am not working, I enjoy indulging in my hobbies such as traveling, gardening, and reading. My passion for the garment industry started at a young age and I am grateful to have turned it into a successful career. My role at Knit Asia Limited allows me to constantly learn and grow, and I take great pride in my work.

Despite my busy schedule, my family remains my top priority and I always make sure to spend quality time with them. I am excited about the future and look forward to all the opportunities and experiences that come my way. Thank you for allowing me to introduce myself.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader, one of the most challenging aspects I have faced is balancing the needs and opinions of my team members while also making tough decisions for the overall success of the group. It can be difficult to navigate conflicting viewpoints and ensure everyone feels heard and valued, but I have learned to communicate openly and transparently to find a compromise that satisfies the team as a whole.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I became a leader through hard work, determination, and a passion for making a positive impact. It all started when I was in high school and was chosen to lead a group project. I took charge, delegated tasks, and motivated my team to achieve our goal successfully. From that moment on, I realized my potential to inspire and guide others.

I continued to take on leadership roles in college and beyond, constantly learning and growing along the way. Through my experiences, I have developed strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, which have helped me become a confident and effective leader.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I start my work days by waking up early and setting a clear plan for the day ahead. After breakfast, I prioritize my tasks and schedule them according to their importance and urgency. Throughout the day, I take short breaks to recharge and stay focused.

As the day progresses, I make sure to stay on track and complete my tasks efficiently. By the time evening rolls around, I wind down and reflect on my accomplishments. Before going to sleep, I make a to-do list for the next day to ensure a productive and organized work routine.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

One recent leadership lesson that I have been reminded of is the importance of active listening. Despite being a common concept, I realized that truly listening and understanding others' perspectives can greatly enhance my leadership skills. By actively listening and acknowledging the thoughts and ideas of my team members, I have been able to foster a more collaborative and inclusive environment.

This has not only improved the overall effectiveness of our team but has also strengthened trust and communication within our group. Going forward, I will continue to prioritize active listening as a key aspect of my leadership approach.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has had a profound impact on my leadership is 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen R. Covey. This book not only taught me valuable leadership skills but also challenged me to reflect on my values and principles.

Before reading this book, I was focused solely on achieving success and climbing the corporate ladder. However, after learning about the importance of being proactive, setting goals, and prioritizing relationships, I realized that true leadership involves much more than just achieving individual success.

The most significant lesson I took away from this book was the concept of 'win-win' thinking. Covey explains that effective leaders strive for solutions that benefit all parties involved, rather than just their interests. This mindset has greatly influenced my decision-making and approach to conflicts within my team.

Moreover, the book stresses the importance of continuous self-improvement and sharpening the saw. This has motivated me to consistently seek out new learning opportunities and strive for personal growth, which has ultimately enhanced my leadership abilities.

Overall, 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' has not only impacted my leadership style but has also had a positive influence on my personal life. It has taught me to lead with integrity, empathy, and a long-term perspective, which I believe are essential qualities for any successful leader.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

'Always lead with integrity and empathy, as it will not only earn you respect but also inspire and unite those you lead.'

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

As a leader, one of the most meaningful stories that comes to mind is the time when I witnessed the transformation of a shy and reserved team member into a confident and assertive individual. This team member initially struggled to speak up and share their ideas during meetings, but with consistent encouragement and support from the team, they gradually gained the confidence to voice their opinions and make valuable contributions.

It was truly heartwarming to see their growth and to know that I played a small part in their journey towards self-improvement and leadership development. This experience reminded me of the impact a leader can have on their team and the importance of nurturing and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.e.