Service - Influence: How to Become the Person Others Want to Follow

In our last post together we discussed the importance of humility in leadership. This week's trait takes that concept a step further. Mother Theresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela & Martin Luther King were undoubtedly humble. No one needs to research who they are. Each of them changed the world in different ways. And they did it through lives committed to this week's leadership trait.

This style of leadership is all the rage now. Robert K. Greenleaf coined the phrase “Servant Leadership” in the late 1970’s, but we have historical documentation that the concept goes back much further than that. At the break of the first century we see a man who embodied humility. His life initiated a paradigm shift in leadership values; he also embodied servant leadership. Fifteen-hundred years earlier than that, we see another historical figure who humbly led his people in servitude.

If you want to become the type of person others want to follow, I would encourage you to join us this week as we focus upon the trait of service.

Use your freedom not to fulfill your own needs, but through love serve one another.

Lead by Serving
A strong leader purposes themselves for the good of others. They even forego their own needs by making sacrifices. The leader who serves, gets dirty and does the things no one else wants to do. They get the job done regardless of conditions or time required. They do the best they can with any challenge that faces them. They work with all their heart without external motivators.

A good servant genuinely cares for those they serve and serves with an open and willing heart. A good servant doesn't complain. A good servant doesn't argue. Don't get me wrong, a good servant doesn't lie down in the face of injustice, but rather stands up against it, doing so respectfully.

Leaders who embody the trait of service will inspire those around them to do the same. Authenticity is key here. A good servant does not need to take credit for completed work; and they're okay not being the center of attention. Don't brag about it. Don't talk about it. Be about it. People will notice. And we serve others not to draw focus upon us or put us on a pedestal, but to aide others and help them where they are. The focus must be outward.

People are drawn to this authentic altruism - a heart and life committed to serving others. Others want to follow someone who would rather take a burden onto themselves than to allow those around them to suffer: willing to help, not just with the big things, but with the smaller things. When we are faithful on a daily basis in serving in the smaller ways, it will become natural to serve in the larger things.

Serving others encourages those around us to do the same. It also empowers them by opening their minds to new possibilities and actualizing their support system. Empowering our teams allows them to flourish and develop professionally and personally. Their intrinsic motivation will propel them to work, but our service to them will lead to their success.

Action Step #9
Some people serve simply because it makes them feel good. But doing the right thing doesn't always feel good. Sometimes, and oftentimes it is challenging. Remember our lesson last week? Life isn't about us. We must do the right thing – whether we like how it makes us feel or not. We aren't the focus.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
- Mahatma Gandhi

Taking action is the only way we can grow. Theories are simply fantasy until we put them into practice. This week, look for new ways to step up and serve those around you. Perhaps it starts with getting someone coffee or washing the dishes someone else left in the break room. Maybe it starts with holding the door. Perhaps it involves taking the step of humbling ourselves and seeking forgiveness - serving others in the process. Wherever you start - make sure to take action.

Thank you for taking the time to join us this week. In our next post we’ll focus on a trait briefly mentioned in this post. What do you think about a life committed to service? Do you agree that it is essential in leadership?

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Dan loves building relationships and encouraging others. He thrives when learning and sharing that knowledge. As a newly wed, he is greatly enjoying this period in life as family takes second in his "Five F's" (see profile). Dan has led various sales teams, served as president of multiple organizations, and coached in athletics. He has presented at leadership conferences and workshops. Dan currently works as a Director of Sales and mentors a group of high schoolers who are looking to grow and excel.

For other posts in this series: Please visit this page.