A MINUTE TO WIN IT!

Beyond the idealisation of all great leaders, there are real nuggets of experiential wisdom. You too can improve your serving leadership style.

In 2008, Nelson Mandela challenged South Africa, to take action and inspire change, by using the symbolic 67 minutes to serve. In 2009 the UN endorsed this initiative and declared the 18th of June as Mandela Day, challenging the world to become better serving leaders.

This challenge is underpinned by three principles, which forms the foundation of his serving leadership. Here are some practical questions to challenge your leadership development:

1.) PRINCIPLE #1 - FREE YOURSELF:

In principle, we know we ARE free, yet in relaity we know that we allow our freedom to be restricted. Start by identifying areas where you may have allowed your freedom to be restricted. Ask - what holds me back? (relationally, financially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, vocationally). Here are a few common examples - how free are you from fear; pre-conceived ideas; prejudice; unrealistic expectations; the 'good opinion' of others; unhealthy relationships; bad self-esteem; career limitations; & money? Keep questioning, there may be more.

The more you free yourself, the more you are able to become the leader you were destined to be. Your freedom will become the inspirational example for others to follow.   

2.) PRINCIPLE #2 - FREE OTHERS:

Spend time identifying key people around you who are not free as they should be. Use the same process you used to free yourself to help them identify the areas where they are allowing their freedom to be limited. Spend time with them; show them the advantages of reclaiming their freedom; use your journey as an inspirational example; and challenge them appropriately until they have been empowered and freed.

A free person will be more productive, more engaged, more thankful, more committed and more willing to follow.

3.) PRINCIPLE #3 - SERVE:

It is easier than you think. Make every day Mandela Day, by finding 67 seconds every day to serve someone. Ask yourself, who can I serve today in the most effective way? Look for people, situations, causes and companies where you can serve (and serve, not only because it is good for the ego, public relations or sales - but because you know it is the right thing to do).

Serving is the simplest way to authenticate your leadership, and people are hungry to follow real leaders.

Now - get up, get out and get active in serving!