How can you balance your responsibilities while building a consulting career in Servant Leadership?

Start by asking yourself why you lead and who you hope to help. Know your skills, loves, and what you're great at. Match your drive with what others need. This keeps you on track and draws in the right people.

It’s important to be honest in these types of conversations. As a business owner, despite my lofty ideas of benevolence to my customers, the devotion is to the bottom line. If that’s the case for me, I have to respect that my employees will also have a self preserving responsibility to themselves. I find it inhumane to expect employees to adopt an unrealistic position of commitment to my business if I’m taking the majority and not clearly acknowledging their contribution. So once we can have an honest discussion about our financial needs and wants and our Maslows are in order, we can reach a point of balance where “purpose” can be discussed. Only here is where we can create true value for our customers. Anything else is exploitation.

Embarking on the journey of a servant leader begins with a clear vision, mission, and core values. Understanding one's strengths, passions, and expertise is crucial. Aligning personal purpose with market needs ensures effective communication, attracts the right clients, and sustains motivation. Define your purpose with precision for impactful leadership. I reccomend the book "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek. It's a must :).

Effective time management includes the side hustle and primary position along with family commitments. By balancing my schedule, I can accomplish greatness for all.

When looking at time-management, we often hear about seeking balance. I focus less on balance and more on harmony. Life will never be completely balanced; however, you can strive to build harmony in conjunction with your uncompromising standards. I have certain standards each day (physical activity, time with my family, schedule review, reflection), and then I can fill in the most impactful activities that will move me toward my objectives. There are days I will need to work longer, or days I will completely focus on family - if that is my objective for the day, than that is all I need to worry about. This mitigates the fear of my to-do list.

Mastering time is key to effective leadership. Embrace Pareto's Law—focus on the vital few tasks that yield the most results. Counter Parkinson's Law by setting realistic deadlines to enhance productivity. That's the goal. I recommend "4 hour workweek" book by Tim Ferriss.

I've found that keeping a clear schedule helps balance work and rest. Remember to break big tasks into smaller steps and give yourself credit when you complete them. Sharing work can also ease your load.

Dale Carnegie's timeless wisdom in 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' is a beacon for effective leadership and building relationships. It teaches us that genuine connections and empathy are the cornerstone of success. In today's dynamic world, Carnegie's principles remain paramount, reminding us that building relationships isn't just a skill; it's the heart of impactful leadership.

Make friends at work, it's important to create bonds with everyone you work with. Be there for your team, clients, and customers. Listen to them, help them out, and make sure they see your worth. Don't forget to ask for their thoughts and tips, and get involved in groups where you can both teach and learn.

To grow as a servant leader, always add to your knowledge and abilities. Stay updated on your industry, listen to those you serve, and better your people skills. Read, join classes, go to talks, and seek guidance.

I think it's key to look at how your actions help others. Listen to what people say, learn from what works or doesn't, and let that guide your next steps. This shows you're committed and helps build trust.