Name: Rabarivelo Hobiniaina

Title: Program Manager

Organisation: Peace Corps

10 years plus as a program manager. managing-coaching and mentoring volunteers navigate through the intricacies of Malagasy culture and work ethic, which are completely different, oftentimes conflicting with North American values.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

Being in a position where you have to make hard decisions that can potentially harm your team, and your constituency.

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

I consider myself to have an 'innate' talent as a leader. At an early age, I used to show and tell to my cousin how to 'manage up' their parents. I've always volunteered whenever possible. Early in my career, I have offered to support and take roles beyond my scope of work. Up until now, when there are difficult and unusual tasks, my colleagues look at to me and expect me to lead, which I always do. I tend to lead big projects that require collaboration within and across units in my organizations.

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

I start my morning with meditation for about 30 minutes, then I do my morning exercises: either running around my neighborhood or doing high-intensity interval training. During my morning morning meditation, I try to visualize to have a positive and productive day today. Then my physical exercise, especially running, I try to memorize the tasks awaiting at the office, and at home.

Upon arrival at the Office, I look at my notes and revise them for what are urgent, must do today and what are tasks that require collaboration, and approval from my supervisor. After I do my prioritization, I start my day and work according to my priority of the day. One key thing that I have learned is to turn off all media (outlook, and messengers) during the pick hour of the day. If staff really needs me, then know how to call me or where to find me.

Constantly checking on email and social media takes away precious time from us. I have 3 major times to check on emails, and instant messengers: early morning, then before lunch, and 1 h before I go home for the day.

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

Get to know your staff! It is crucial to establish a close, yet professional relationship with the people you lead. My staff and I have agreed to have regular one-on-one check-ups every other month, but oftentimes, for various reasons, we forget to. I learned that it is important to have those regular check-up meetings with one's staff so that #1 I get to know them better personally and professionally as well. #2: we get the time to discuss ongoing projects and check where they are and if there is any support they need. #3: this shows that I care about them and the work they do.

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?

My book is about my experience interacting with my supervisor and supervisees. Listening is key for a leader.

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

Take time to learn, to observe, to trust, and to build relationships with your team. Once a good relationship is established, your team will naturally follow you. Read leadership books and BE THE LEADER WHO INSPIRED YOU THE MOST!

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? Treat your supervisees as professional adults, trust them, respect them and they will do the same to you and to your organization.