Andrew McClain* is creating his own work-life fulfillment and as the VP of HR for one of the largest companies in the world, he’s also creating it for others. What makes Andrews’s story unique is all that he’s learned from living and working in lots of places – and how he leads as a result. Taking the stance that he is ‘first among equals’, his lessons are inspiring:

Plug In. During his time in Australia, The Netherlands, Belgium, or Texas, the key to fulfillment in his work-life has been in quickly plugging in. How do he and his wife and son quickly acclimate? They connect through their son’s school, through church, and through Andrew’s work. For Andrew, this is more than a strategy, it’s a life lesson. Success can’t occur without creating those strong ties.

Get Lost. One of the strategies Andrew and his wife use to acclimate to any new location is to drive around. They turn off the GPS or Google Maps, and then try to find  their way back. Doing this helps them see new surroundings with critical eyes. It opens them up to a world of new discovery they might otherwise have missed by simply following the instructions of a computerized voice.

Take Friends Along. Throughout his moves, Andrew has been careful to retain his professional connections despite shifting companies, countries, and roles. In his last shift (and in all of his shifts), the downside has been leaving the company where he has a lot of close friends and colleagues. But not really. Because Andrew nurtures the professional relationships that matter most no matter what job he’s in, and no matter what company he’s working for.

Be Flexible, Flexible, and after that, Flexible. When Andrew spoke to a graduate class at a local university, he was asked, “What are your top recommendations?” His response: be flexible, be flexible, and be flexible. If you go in with a high degree of entrenched expectation, you will be disappointed. It’s key to keep an open mind and be flexible with how you adapt and learn. In work and in all elements of his moves, flexibility has been absolutely key.

Draw a Picture. In addition to all of their own adaptation, Andrew and his wife Kara, have also helped their son adapt to moves and changes. Their approach? In addition to plenty of love and empathy, they encourage their son to draw, color, and express himself on paper. And he does. The approach has been brilliant because it helps him express his feelings about the moves and communicate any concerns, trepidation, or excitement about the new experiences.

Wear Jeans. Andrew has also had a significant role in expanding the experience of work-life support for his team and his organization. As the VP of HR for Stanley Black & Decker, his actions carry a lot of weight. He says that he is conscious of the choices he makes because they set the tone for choices other will make. Wearing jeans on Fridays (along with his cowboy boots from his stint in Texas) frees others to be more casual as well. Connecting at the coffee machine sends a message that casual collaboration is positive. Using the gym over lunch communicates that taking the time for health is embraced. Andrew recognizes that his choices and behavior can be the more eloquent than words.

Primus Inter Pares. Latin for ‘first among equals’, primus inter pares is important to the way Andrew leads. He says that he will never tell people how to live their lives. He will provide direction for the work, but for his team and all the people he leads, their work-life choices are their own. After all, a significant part of fulfillment is the opportunity for each of us to make our own choices and chart our own course and Andrew leads with that in mind.

Useful lessons, all! Let us each make our own choices as equals and be part of each others’ fulfilling journeys. Primus Inter Pares.

*Based in Belgium, Andrew McClain is the VP of HR for Stanley Black & Decker.