Name: Dr. Siham Alhaider

Title: Associate Professor

Organisation: King Khalid University

Dr. Siham Alhaider is an associate professor at King Khalid University. She works in English department. She is interested in theoretical linguistics, sociolinguistics, semiotics, language studies, linguistic landscape and second language acquisition.

She held the administrative positions of Dean of the Science and Arts College , CEO of the Applied College, chair of the English Department at King Khalid University and Dean of the Community College. Dr. Alhaider has a BA in English and an MA in Computer-assisted Language learning (CALL) from King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia. She has a second MA in Linguistics and a PhD in the same field from the University of Florida, USA. She has published many research articles on linguistics.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

The most challenging thing is to manage time and to reply to the high number of incoming daily requests and questions.

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

I became a leader by nomination-based procedure by my institution, King Khalid University. Having these huge responsibilities all at once have built me to be mentally strong and psychologically prepared.

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

I structure my day by writing down a to-do-list everyday. So, I put on my list everything I need to do the next morning from professional to simple daily routine. That allows me to organize my thoughts and time. Also, it gives me clarity to prioritize things on this list.

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

I have learned to be cool! I mean by that is to take things as they are and never attach them to personal level. Because when you get things away from your personal feelings you can judge better and see clearer!

Professionalism needs much of your mind and less of your feelings. I think the good way to describe it is to normalize your feelings towards things and people at work.

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?

Actually, I have read many books. However, one book could be (Be fearless -by Jean Case). I go back to it every now and then and I reread it again. Always, reread your old books they become better with time.

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

Take the first open door for you in life, don't wait until everything is perfect! Perfect never comes.

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

One meaningful thing about being a leader is helping people better from that position. Having said that, I can't remember every story but I can remember the feeling of many stories which is always the feeling of joy of giving.

When I serve people and fulfill the gaps of unresolved issues, it is the joy of giving that pleases me and keeps me going.