Servant Leadership – Page 7 – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Leadership Minute: Called To Serve

Leadership is an opportunity to serve. It is not a trumpet call to self-importance. – J. Donald Walters

When was the last time you gave consideration to the meaning of your leadership? Is it about climbing the corporate ladder? Perhaps it’s achieving a certain status or rank within your organization? These are not necessarily bad things unto themselves but in the larger meaning of leadership I submit it’s missing the point. At the heart of leadership is a desire and willingness to serve and develop others. It’s about discovering the seeds of greatness in others and doing your part to help it grow. Leadership comes with privileges and responsibilities and at its pinnacle is the realization that it’s not about you. Find the joy and meaning of true leadership by serving others.

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Three Ways to Map Your Future

Posted February 16, 2014
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1 Comment on Three Ways to Map Your Future

Each man should frame life so that at some future hour fact and his dreaming meet. – Victor Hugo

A story is told of an old map on display in the British Museum in London. It’s an old mariner’s chart, drawn in 1525, outlining the North American coastline and adjacent waters. The cartographer made some intriguing notations on areas of the map that represented regions not yet explored.

He wrote: “Here be giants,” “Here be fiery scorpions,” and “Here be dragons.” Eventually, the map came into the possession of Sir John Franklin, a British explorer in the early 1800’s. Scratching out the fearful inscriptions, he wrote these words across the map; “Here be God.”

Your rise as a leader is marked by a future you choose for yourself. Although it’s not a guarantee, you can take great strides to attaining it through big dreams, hard work, and a willingness to pay the price to achieve it. From the old mariner’s chart come three leadership lessons for your consideration as you map your future as a leader.

A future with a clean slate.

Regardless of how others may have labeled you in the past your future is yours to write. Have you made mistakes in the past? Have you been unfairly criticized? Have others tried to marginalize you or overlooked your potential? Well, let me encourage you to know that who you are today and where you are headed as a leader is not decided by what others think or believe but in the way you now choose to behave. It’s decided by the truth you choose to believe and accept about who you are now. Ignore the labels and refuse to be defined by your past. You have a clean slate with which to work. Now is your time to chart a new course.

A future with fresh thinking.

By embracing your future and working with a clean slate you can now go to work with fresh thinking that can propel you to a new level. Are you comfortable enough in your own skin to be made uncomfortable with new ideas? When you map your future you must do so with new and improved ways of thinking. Throw off the shackles of old thinking and stale ways of doing things. It won’t happen by chance. Moving forward with new disciplines will require an open mind and right attitudes. Fresh thinking deserves a chance but it will only work when you cross out the old inscriptions of the past and chart a new future.

A future with unlimited potential.

Mapping out your future has little to do with past labels. It has everything to do with what you believe about yourself, how you choose to act upon that belief, and what actions you are willing to take to go there. In as much as you don’t have to be defined by your past, only you can choose your future. You have all the makings of a strong leader when you believe the truth of today over the definitions of yesterday. Embrace your potential. What goals or dreams do you need to resurrect and dust off? What past inscription do you need to cross out? It’s time for a new entry on the map of your future and it needs to be the one you write. Dare to believe that you have unlimited potential and a future full of possibilities. Just remember, those who have tried to contain you in your past won’t be part of your success in the future. Your story is yours for the making. Dream big. Work hard. Don’t look back.

1. Which point hit home with you the most?

2. What are some tangible ways one can cross out the impressions of others in the past so that you can move forward with your future?

3. What goals and dreams are you inspired to pursue with a renewed passion?

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Leaders Without Borders

Posted September 6, 2013
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Dear Friends,

Why “Leaders Without Borders?”

If you are like me, you’ve read hundreds of books on the topic of leadership. And like you, I’ve grown and benefited from them and continue to grow my library of leadership books.

When I first set out to write “Leaders Without Borders” I concerned myself with two essential questions as I began.

First, what do I say to the novice leader starting out? How would I communicate leadership principles garnered over nearly 30 years of leadership experience that could be clear and concise?

Second, how would this book speak to seasoned leaders? What would make it any different from what has already been said in so many different ways?

The finished product resulted in identifying nine essentials that I believe are pertinent to any leader in any stage of leadership development. These timeless leadership principles are crafted around stories that will inspire and challenge you and perhaps help you to see a timeless principle shared in a new light. They are as follows:

Passion
Priorities
Optimism
Teamwork
Attitude
Authenticity
Loyalty
Kindness
Legacy

I believe that these essentials are what make leadership work. It’s as you put these essentials into practice that your leadership can grow, expand, and make a difference not only in your life but in the lives of those you lead.

Since the release of “Leaders Without Borders” I’ve been blessed to partner with businesses, schools, and churches to promote these leadership essentials and to grow and develop future leaders and veteran leaders alike.

Writing in the foreword to “Leaders Without Borders” my friend and noted leadership authority Mark Sanborn, author of The Fred Factor writes, “I rarely like easy answers because they are usually unrealistic. I do, however, like books that challenge a leader’s thinking and provide him or her with new insights that prompt action. This book by Doug Dickerson is that kind of book.”

I would like to invite you to discover for yourself what makes “Leaders Without Borders: 9 Essentials for Everyday Leaders” a book worth your time to read and perhaps one you would consider sharing with a colleague, friend, boss, pastor, or your child’s teacher. Your purchase also helps support the Management Moment Leadership Foundation (http://bit.ly/WJ755v) whose featured cause is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Priced at just $10 per copy would you consider buying an extra one to share?

Thank you so much for your readership, for making your purchase, and for your commitment to grow as a leader. Simply click on this link to my website and click the “Buy Here” button at www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com

Going forward my commitment to producing sound, practical and applicable leadership content remains my goal. Thank you for your support!

Leading with you!

Doug

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The Power of Servant Leadership

Posted August 31, 2013
by admin

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. – Albert Einstein

A story is told that during the American Revolution a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive barrier. Their leader was shouting instructions, but making no attempt to help them.

Asked by the rider, he responded with great dignity, “Sir, I am a corporal!” The stranger apologized, dismounted, and proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers. The job done, he turned to the corporal and said, “Mr. Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief and I will come and help you again.” The man was none other than George Washington.

“Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitudes and actions” said Harold S. Geneen. And this is the essence of servant leadership. When talk becomes action; when ones purpose as a leader transcends position, and serving others is the norm rather than the exception, that is when leadership is truly understood.

Former President George H. W. Bush was asked in a Time magazine interview as to whether he has seen a shift in the past twenty years in the public’s attitude toward service. “I think so, I hope so,” he replied. “Many schools include a service project as part of their curriculum, and many corporations have in-house projects for their employees or give them time off to do volunteer work. There’s a greater understanding about the importance of giving back.” This is encouraging when you consider how great the need is today for servant leadership.

Servant leadership can transform your life and your business. Here are three simple insights to bring it into focus.

Service is the model of leadership.

The simplest definition of leadership comes from John Maxwell who defines it in one word– influence. A servant leader is one understands that his influence individually can make a difference, but collectively can make a huge impact.

When you rally your people, time, and resources around causes greater than self, you are modeling the greatest use of leadership. “Strong convictions precede great actions,” said James Freeman Clarke. He’s right. What great causes are you and your organization rallying around?

Service is the blessing of leadership.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven,” said Jesus (Matthew 5;16). The best way to “find yourself” is by serving others. It’s as you give of your time, talent, and treasure that you begin to see the world around you in a different light. Servant leadership has nothing to do with weakness or being a doormat, but has everything to do with using your gifts and talents in a positive way.

When was the last time you praised a co-worker for a job well done? Who is the colleague going through a difficult time that could use your encouragement? How about giving a gift card to your hard working admin to express your appreciation? When the idea of being a blessing becomes your corporate culture you will move your business into a whole new realm of purpose.

Service is the reward of leadership.

Do you want to position your team for greatness? As you set the example of servant leadership within your organization, the buy-in among your team will have significant meaning. Simply put, there are some rewards that will come your way that have nothing to do with your bottom line. But the change in your company culture will be priceless.

“Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness – great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy,” said Jim Rohn. Are you ready to open doors of greatness? As you become a catalyst for servant leadership it will open up new realities for you that you never knew existed.

Who will you serve today?

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If you enjoy reading Doug’s leadership insights you will especially enjoy reading his books, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted!

Go to www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com to order your copies today.

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Doug is available to speak for your civic, business, or church group for leadership development and keynotes. Email Doug at [email protected] for more information.

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Lead By Faith: Helpful Words

Posted July 21, 2013
by admin

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. – Proverbs 15:1-2

As a leader it is important the words you use and the temperament you maintain. People look to you to be the example of right leadership and the pressure can be stressful. By faith and with a dose of self-discipline we not only guard our hearts but hold our tongue.

The writer of the Proverb admonishes us with us with two unique challenges: 1) to answer softly, and 2) use your tongue wisely. It’s great advice on both counts, but making it happen is the challenge.

But consider the outcomes when we react the wrong way – harsh words stirs up anger, and the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Not exactly the ending you would desire.

The verse challenges us to remain calm, be slow to speak, and making sure that when we do we are choosing the right words. Right words, according to the verse, are the product of using our knowledge wisely.

In leadership there are countless opportunities to put the verses into practice. It is the price you pay to be where God wants you to serve. But remember, it’s as you rely on His strength and not your own that you can live out the verses and be the leader you were destined to become.

If you enjoy reading Doug’s leadership insights you will especially enjoy reading his books, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted! Visit his website today to order your copies.

Website: www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com

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Lead By Faith: Order Your Priorities

Posted July 14, 2013
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But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. – Jesus, Matthew 6:33

As leaders it is important to have priorities that guide you in your daily activities. After all, taking care of life and all of its demands can be challenging. Just as priorities are necessary to be an effective leader in your office, so too, are priorities of the heart.

Jesus reminded us that when we place Him first in our lives everything else of importance to us would fall under His care. When we place every piece of our lives into His hands then we can lead with confidence that He is directing our steps in the right place. You can lead with total confidence when you place total trust in the One who walks before you.

Lead By Faith will be a new feature each Sunday.

If you enjoy reading Doug’s leadership insights you will especially enjoy reading his books, Leaders Without Borders and Great Leaders Wanted! Visit Doug’s website to order your copies today.

Website: www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com

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Leadership Minute: The Joy of Generosity

Posted May 24, 2013
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Albert Schweitzer said, “Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid.” When was the last time you did something for someone with no expectation of what you would receive in return? It is perhaps one of the great joys of leadership. Today’s leadership challenge is to sow seeds of generosity by performing random acts of kindness. It can be a kind word to stranger in the hallway or a hand-written thank you note to a colleague for a job well done. The old adage is true – people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

If you enjoy the “Leadership Minute” you will especially enjoy reading Doug’s book, Leaders Without Borders & Great Leaders Wanted! Visit Doug’s website to order your copies today.

Website: www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com

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