"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for someone else." ~Benjamin Franklin
These are wise words from a founding father of our nation.
Franklin understood that we find meaning and purpose through serving others.
Service is one of the greatest, most dignifying gifts you can give another human being. Through service, you silently convey that you care for them, that they matter to you, and that you desire to improve their life.
And if you're a leader — these are messages you can't afford to avoid sending.
Take a minute to recall a leader who took the time to lift your burden, serve your needs, or go the extra mile to make sure you were well cared for.
How did their actions cause you to feel?
How did your attitude shift toward them?
My guess is that you weren't apathetic about going to work the following day! Instead, you probably looked for a way to serve them in return. This is because serving is contagious — a wonderful byproduct, to say the least!
Suppose leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less. In that case, how you serve has more potential to positively influence those around you than all the vision, directives, goals, and objectives you can put out in a thousand memos.
The greatest asset in a leader's toolbox is their ability to serve the needs of those around them, and leaders often solidify their indispensability through service.
Leader, rather than seeking to be the hero of an organization — work toward enabling those around you to grow into their peak potential through service.
Show them you care — that they matter — and that you are for them.
Why?
It's because leadership is not about title but influence -- and nothing builds your influence like serving the needs of those around you.
Want to make yourself indispensable to your organization?
Want to increase your influence and stand out as a leader?
Have you tried serving those around you?
