In 2004, three hurricanes hit Polk County Florida. I was in high school at the time and although three hurricanes in a single year was unusual, the practice of surviving and rebuilding after wasn’t unfamiliar.
My amazing mother single-handedly raised my two brothers and me through some very lean times & turbulent events. Yet these destitute conditions didn’t stop her from setting an example and teaching us the importance of service to our community.
She encouraged us to share our time and strength with our neighbors, preparing for heavy winds and flooding, clearing brush, and cleaning property after the hurricane had passed.
The overabundance of love she exemplified can turn into a skill set focused on servant leadership, and I can credit this attitude for the position I have been most fortunate to find myself in. Whether you’re a School Board Member, State Representative, or engaged citizen, we all can take a servant leadership approach in our daily lives.
These are a handful of approaches I use today;
Put other people’s interests first.
You’re going to be put in situations during which you must choose between your own comfort or agenda, or that of the individuals you serve. But when you frame these circumstances correctly, you should find that there is rarely a time when putting other people’s interests first, brings anything but positivity.
Delayed gratification, focusing on the long term, prioritizing that which is prudent over that which is expedient, etc… all can help you put other people’s interest first.
Seek common ground to facilitate meaningful change.
When was the last time you badgered someone into believing what you believe, or taking the action you wanted them to take? Has a news broadcaster ever nagged a guest into flipping opinions on air? It may happen occasionally, but to the detriment of the relationship.
I’m reminded of the sales principle; “People buy from people they know, like, and trust.”
And you can’t know, like, or trust someone that you don’t share any common ground with. I also believe that if you can’t find something in common with another person, you’re just not trying hard enough.
Get to know your neighbor. Share a meal with someone you wouldn’t normally associate with. Learn about their stories or family history. Working toward lasting change comes after.
Empower people and clear their path.
Dr. Bullock explains in his post; An Empowerment-Oriented Spirit, that “Millennials are telling us that they want to be part of the solution…”, even to the detriment of their paycheck.
The Dubuque business community has even institutionalized this volunteer empowerment through Dubuque Days of Caring, a program that gets thousands of area employees together to work on projects or non-profit initiatives on a single day.
These local businesses clear the path for servant leaders to spend their time making lasting change in their community. What’s more is that this model can be miniaturized in your own life as a servant leader!
Whether it’s your time, resources, or knowledge, there are plenty of people in your sphere of influence that you can empower by getting personal or organizational issues out of their way to meet these community needs.
So, who in the community is a shining example of servant leadership that you could be of assistance to?
Who in the community needs a helping hand?
Take a moment to reflect on these questions and consider what gifts you have to provide. A life of service can start today!
Anderson – You are an inspiration. Your credibility is built-in, because you walk the talk! Thanks for all you do for our community.
INSTRUCTIONS: “Take the time today to read his post and comment with advice, thoughts, and prayers as he takes another step forward in his life of servant leadership.”
Anderson, I am pleased to “meet” you and wish you well on your new commitment. You have, obviously, been gifted with altruism, a value for intrinsic reward, and willingness not only to seek the good in people, but also the impetus to “know” a stranger. The first step to change, I think, is to overcome the fear of “differentness” by getting to know the other person.
I have the honor of a lifetime of volunteer service: coaching sports, teaching Sunday School, mentoring confirmation classes, church trustee, deacon, church council, city plan commission and zoning board of appeals, as well as various community and school ad hoc committees. I missed being elected once to our school board by three votes.
In those difficult, and sometimes contentious situations, just remember this is sometimes a thankless job, but remain strong in your commitment to advocate for what you know/feel is right for those who have no voice. If your school board/city council meetings operate like ours; they offer an opportunity for the public to speak, but there is no dialogue.
Always consider the long-term result of your guidance and actions. I sense you already know that; I am preaching to the choir. Bless you, Anderson, for who you already are! You will represent your stakeholders very well, indeed.
I am sharing this with my Senior Pastor and asking that it be shared with our entire congregation..
God Bless your servant leadership, Oresident Jeff.
Great article and touching tribute to your mother.
Well written!
What a great article and testament to the power of servant leadership!
Great job, Anderson! Great words. Strong and compelling insite! Thank you for sharing ?
Anderson thanks for sharing this very powerful story and reflection. In my life I think one of the most important pieces of advice I ever received was from a Key Club advisor, who reminded me that “What you do for yourself will die with you, what you do for others will live on in eternity in those you touch and impact.” Your article reminded me of the vital role servant leaders such as yourself have in our community and our residents. I appreciate all you do and are for Dubuque.