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Zig Ziglar’s words are as profound today as the day he first said it; “If you help people get what they want they will help you get what you want.” The heart of this statement is all about servant leadership – help others first! If your leadership model is all about getting people to do what you want them to do, Zig’s words are an aggravation to you rather than a challenge. WHY? These words expose a failed model of thinking that started in the business community in the 1970’s – Supremacy of The Shareholder. This is like saying the fans in the bleachers are more important than the players on the floor. In my opinion Empathy and Perspective are the two greatest topics that are missing in modern leadership.

One of the most outstanding books that I have read was published in 1970 by Robert Greenleaf, Servant Leadership. In this book Greenleaf writes…“The servant-leader is servant first. . . . It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. . . . The care taken by the servant-first [leader is] to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served. The best test, and difficult to administer, is: Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants? And, what is the effect on the least privileged in society? Will they benefit or at least not be further deprived?”

Here are 5 daily guides to assist you in becoming a servant leader.

I do not rely on my title or position – I am grateful for the accomplishments I have obtained, but I do not rely on them to lead others. Respect is earned daily by delivering on my promises and by serving others.

I chose to believe in people and their potential – Caring for people is the right thing to do. The more that you see their potential, the more you will serve them.

See life from their perspective – Empathy and Perspective will serve you well as you serve others.

Adding to these thoughts is Eugene Habecker who stated “The true leader serves. Serves people. Serves their best interests, and in so doing will not always be popular, may not impress. But because true leaders are motivated by loving concern rather than a desire for personal glory, they are willing to pay the price.”

Create an environment of encouragement – When the leader serves others will follow your example. It is a natural response for people to repeat what they see – Leaders go first!

The leaders success is determined by you valuing others –  Key take away – One is too small a number for greatness!

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!