A Reflection by Bethanie Wong
The Mountains and Valleys leadership moments session was a truly inspiring experience, guiding us through the different dimensions of leadership—adoration, appreciation, affirmation, aspiration, activation and articulation.
We began by reflecting on our individual strengths and recognising that leadership is not a solitary pursuit but one nurtured by faith and community. The story of Moses served as a powerful reminder of the importance of encouragement and how leadership thrives when we uplift and empower one another. Writing gratitude cards was particularly meaningful for me, as expressing appreciation in words is not something that comes naturally. Often, I think of gratitude in my heart but let the moment pass without verbalising it. This exercise gave me the opportunity to pause, reflect on my relationships with each colleague and express my appreciation in a way that felt intentional and fulfilling. Reading the messages left for me was equally eye-opening—I realised that even the smallest gestures I had made were noticed and valued, even when they weren’t conveyed through words. It deepened my gratitude for my colleagues and the strong bond we share, always supporting one another in our individual journeys of growth.
The creation of pebble artworks helped us visualise how every action, challenge, and relationship contributes to a greater vision. Like a pebble creating ripples, no effort is too small—our leadership shapes the world in ways we may not immediately realise. For my artwork, I arranged the pebbles into a cloud with raindrops, symbolising leadership as rain that nurtures growth. I hope that through my leadership, I can empower those around me, fostering both personal and professional development.
The session also incorporated The Little Prince, reinforcing that leadership is not about authority but about vision, courage, and empathy. This story deeply resonates with my leadership style—I strive to bring light to others, lead with my heart and value both relationships and responsibility. I believe that true transformation happens when we articulate our thoughts, share our perspectives, and step forward with purpose.
Bethanie Wong believes in nurturing and empowering her team, recognizing their potential to learn, grow, and thrive. She emphasizes the importance of encouragement, paying attention to individual strengths, and fostering a supportive environment where both educators and children can flourish. Bethanie is the Principal of Little Olive Tree (Ghim Moh).
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