“I don't want my life to be defined by what is etched on a tombstone. I want it to be defined by what is etched in the lives and hearts of those I've touched.” ― Steve Maraboli
I recently read a devotional on motive and how your motive for doing something impacts the outcome. It went on to share that sometimes if your motive is personal gain or glory than you will be coming from a place where everything revolves around your own needs, goals and desires. I think of how this is reflected in the leadership we provide in different situations in our daily lives. This traditional leadership perspective does not focus on team building and group accomplishment and typically limits our ability to achieve targeted goals.
Several years ago Dr. Whitters presented at a Leadership Development Institute on servant leadership. In the simplest terms, servant leadership is a structure where the focus is on serving others and helping them grow and develop so they can perform at their highest level. Servant leadership in contrast to traditional leadership typically results in overwhelming success because the goals and needs of the group are put first and the glory is found in accomplishing the goals together.
As leaders in many different situations in our lives it is important to reflect on your motive and your natural leadership style. Do you truly care more about the success of the team or the set goal than you do about who gets credit for the idea? If so, you are probably naturally prone to servant leadership. If the answer was no, you may have to consciously refocus your motive to support the team success. I know that the vast majority of you are natural servant leaders as you exhibit it day in and day out in the care you provide to our patients. It isn’t about personally being recognized but rather the glory in knowing that you impacted a patient’s life in a positive way. I am so thankful to be part of your team and the care that you deliver daily. You are amazing and together we will continue to accomplish amazing things! This week your challenge is to reflect on your motives and try to align them with the end goals.
“True leaders understand that leadership is not about them but about those they serve. It is not about exalting themselves but about lifting others up.” ― Sheri L. Dew
