“I’m a servant leader - as long as the position comes with a strong compensation and benefits package”
Unfortunately that's probably a good description of my approach to leadership in my younger years. Does this describe you or someone you know? Reading the books, learning leadership skills, gaining followers, trying to knock out some wins for the company. All supporting the primary goal of the next raise, the next promotion – more “Lands and titles”.
Or, is your leadership journey about learning how to better lift others up, help those in your care succeed, and generally make the world a better place? I know which type of leader I would rather follow.
The world is in desperate need of leadership. And I’m not referring to the kind of ‘someone should do something’ complaining about our politicians and corporate execs we are so used to. This is about you putting your leadership skills to work in your community without any financial return.
Servant leadership in practice.
There are volunteer organizations all across the country in need of help. Some are thriving, but many are just barely scraping by. They are generally staffed by a small group of incredibly dedicated behind-the-scenes workers putting in countless unseen hours in pursuit of their mission.
I haven’t mentioned it on here, but last year I took over as Regional Commissioner for our local AYSO youth soccer organization that was in serious need of help. Had I not, the organization likely would have folded like many of the other local branches. Youth soccer made a huge impact on me as a kid and I couldn’t let that happen. I dove in with a simple plan – practice extreme ownership, thank volunteers continuously, and take care of my board members. The board members will take care of the coaches, and the coaches will take care of the players.
We’ve been blessed with filling out a fantastic board of dedicated volunteers. We’re in our second season now, and enrollment has jumped from 200 in the fall to over 300 this spring. It’s a great feeling seeing hundreds of kids out every Saturday being poured into by dedicated coaches and having a great time playing soccer. The feedback we’ve gotten from coaches and parents is awesome and I’m thrilled to be a little part of this organization’s revival.
There’s an organization out there somewhere that needs your leadership.
Learn it, Live it, Share it!
#Leadership #CommunityService #ServantLeadership #Volunteering #AYSO
Experienced Grant Professional
1moWhat a great package of stuff! Are those socks?