Why do you want to be a leader? Who’s name are you REALLY trying to build? These are questions that I must constantly ask myself.

You see, true leadership is much more than a job title. As John Maxwell once said, “A leader has to have followers”. You may have a job title that is at the bottom of the totem pole, but because of your personality and skill, others respect your opinion and look to you for answers and guidance. If this is the case, then you my friend are a full fledged leader. And one day, the corporate world will take notice and reward you with a position that reflects that. Sounds great doesn’t it? But why do you want to pursue that? Really?

Something I have found is this:

“Leadership begins with serving others.”

I don’t know how many times I get interrupted throughout the day. Someone usually walks in with a variation of “Do you have just a minute?”, or “I really hate to bother you, but…”. And if the truth were told in some cases, I really don’t have a minute. And yes, you are interrupting me. And if leadership was all about getting things on my to-do list checked off, then I’d just shut my door the entire day and have everyone make appointments to see me. But leadership isn’t as much about me. It’s about the people who have placed their trust in me. I am duty-bound to help them achieve their goals for the day. They are why I am there to begin with.

So when someone asks, “Do you have just a minute?”, the answer is usually, “I always have a minute for you. What can I do for you?” Leadership begins with serving. Help others achieve their goals and you’ll soon find yourself leading a tremendously supportive staff.

Question:  Can you share an example of outstanding service from a leader that you greatly admire?