(Word of caution: Razor-sharp content — it just might hurt you!)
Come to think of it… a journey never ends, never halts; it only slows down. And that’s temporary, because life makes you think, compels you to make choices, and drives you to work hard for what you want.
Life, as an active volunteer, is kind of like that… only a shorter journey, on steroids! You learn at a rapid pace, make half a dozen plans, scrap a few, rinse and repeat. All this with “service” at the core of your execution.
I’ve learned a lot during the past two years as a District Leader (2013-15), including, but not limited to:
- Service: it’s not simply a word. It’s an act! Say it when you mean it, otherwise it’s just BS. and people would sense that quickly.
- Leadership: it starts with, “What can I do for you” and ends with, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
- Values: it certainly looks cool on the walls… but you ought to live it. And NEVER, ever… trade your values for anything else. You ought to find ways to comPLEment (not compliment) your values with your organizational values. They should go hand in glove. If it doesn’t, you’re bound to fail. And remember this, your values (or your organization’s) are NOT on SALE!
- Authenticity: who do you think you’re fooling? I read somewhere, “Leadership is where your action meets your words.” Take this to heart and you won’t have to worry about being authentic. And always be who you are.
- Respect: is when you commend behind someone’s back and recommend in face. It takes courage to do that, but that’s how you would ever be respected.
- Why are you here? And for whom? I think it’s important to answer these questions… do it twice a day, and none of the above points will ever be an issue.
I think that’s it for now. I may have some more to say, but that’s for another day. When the time is right; because the journey isn’t over yet. It has simply taken a different turn… and I am certain that things will turn out just right, because the intent is right!
Prepare. Attack. Conquer.
#MakeItMatter
(Originally a Facebook post published on July 2, 2015)