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George Guzzardo, mental fitness challenge, Orrin Woodward, serving others, the-life-business, the-team.biz
Before getting involved with the-LIFE-business, I never knew there was a term for doing good. Some people used to call it “sucking up” or “getting attention” but I just looked at it as something that made me feel good. We have all had our moments where our hearts were in the right place and we did everything we could to help or serve another human being. And then we have all had our moments where we wish we didn’t have to see or be around another human being.
But the issue I have been experiencing more recently is the lack of compassion people have in serving others. It’s as if life has put dark sunglasses over the eyes of all people, and as long as you can’t see into another person’s eyes, it’s okay to believe they don’t exist. Our society has become so passive and complacent that even simple gestures of opening a door, smiling, looking one in the eyes and saying ‘thank you’ seems difficult. People have become so focused on themselves due to stress and anxiety that they just choose to ignore any thought of serving all together. I once heard the quote, “it’s hard to pull a drowning victim out of the water if you are drowning yourself.”
I believe the-life-business is a breath of fresh air because it allows individuals to qualify themselves for a promotion in becoming a better person by serving others. The individuals who choose to be a part of LIFE are being thrown life jackets to stay afloat. But it’s their responsibility to swim safely back to shore. And as they make their way safely to shore they are bringing other drowning victims with them; and as more people make it safely, more life jackets can be thrown back out. It’s not all about just saving yourself, we are called to save others as well. That’s what serving is all about… getting our hearts right so that we can focus on the betterment of others. Please take a moment and read a fantastic article from LIFE founder George Guzzardo’s blog.
Blessings, Kristen
The LIFE Business, lead by founder Orrin Woodward, has adopted a service first model of leadership. I believe that this is the number one quality attributed to those leaders who have developed large communities. Servant leadership was coined and made popular by Robert Greenleaf years ago when he wrote the best selling book, ‘Servant Leadership’.
Anyone on the job or in management knows that the servant leadership model has not been adapted in the mainstream of business. Most people still employ a positional or authoritarian style of leading people. The vast majority of people on the job still feel they are a being used to create a profit for their company and have little or no input on how things go on the job. This is one way of creating an on the job atmosphere of low morale. People’s self esteem is at an all time low partly thanks to the current managerial model.The reasons are simple why people use positional authority. It’s easier to demand performance than to be an example. It’s easier to tell someone what to do than to take the time to develop the leadership qualities that it takes to influence someone. It’s easier to demand, “Do it the way I say”, or “I’m in charge here!” The current management model is derived from authority. Not that that type of manager cares, but people typically have no respect for someone in positional authority.
Leading from a service model requires an internal transformation about how one thinks about people. John Maxwell says, “Leadership has less to do with position than it does with disposition.” The way people are treated is an example of one’s world view. Influence that develops from a servant leadership model is earned. The wise leader serves with humility. They have a grateful appreciation for the gifts and abilities of others. They do not let their ego get out of line. Charles Spurgeon said, “Arrogance is the result of pride and selfishness.”
Are you a serving leader or a self – serving leader? Our adversary is our own ego. Evaluate the frame of reference that comes from being focused on service. A servant leader puts others ahead of their agenda. By performing small acts of service anonymously you lead by example.
Actions of a service first attitude include:
- Demonstrating patience with self – control.
- Kindness is displayed by displaying courtesy.
- Humility is displayed by honoring another person.
- Integrity, the number one quality for a leader is displayed with honesty. In other words, “No hidden agendas”.
- Communication comes from empathetic listening and giving complete attention.
Servant leadership is an example of why the LIFE Leadership Community is exploding with growth. People like how they feel and they keep coming back for more. People want respect, encouragement, and appreciation. If the saying found in the Declaration of Independence, “Endowed by their Creator “ is correct, then we should be celebrating the unique qualities found in every human being. Leadership has not been thought of as a product, so the LIFE business products are in high demand because of the void they fill. The leadership quality of service is just another example of why the LIFE business will be the hottest selling product of the future. God Bless, George Guzzardo
(Please comment on how the servant leadership concept has changed how you interact with people; or give an example of servant leadership in your own life. Please also visit George Guzzardo’s blog and read more of his outstanding articles.)
Great point, Kristen! We are in the servitude business just like Jesus Christ was on earth. We hear about the ”It” or ”Me” factors all the time. People need to be helped and many of them are looking to be led. We are constantly reminded in everything we read and hear we need to be that outstretched arm. Although I don’t consider LIFE a business per se, we are in the business of helping our fellow man regardless. And yes, that is sorely missing everywhere we look today. I’m glad we’re all doing our part to change that.
Right on Randy. the points you make are great as well. It is so refreshing to associate with people that understand these principles. ” One for all and all for one”, it still seems to work go figure. Blessings
Amen Randy! You are exactly right! I truly believe LIFE is having such un-surmounted success because God has his hand on what we are doing. Thank you for stepping up and becoming a servant leader.
Very spot on Kristen ; One of the many things that I have seen and attacks me to this Life community is the servant attitude of the leadership. A long time ago the son gave up his devine statis and took a human form. Jesus came to serve . The King of glory shows us the way to serve by loving unconditionally. He also said when you serve one another you are serving me. If we wish to gain happiness it makes sense to follow a servant leader. The greatest example is the one who gave his life for all.
Blessings now and forever v–Bill–
Very awesome comment Bill! I know that the founders are all living to serve Him and that trickles right on down through the entire organization. The hearts are right in the LIFE/team and I know that as we go to millions, more people will be blessed and fall in love with serving as well. Imagine what that will do to our society at large? Fasten your seat belt, I think there will be some changing -a- happening!
Hang on you bet. I believe once more people get truthful information they won’t be able to stop the life change that will surely occur. Keep keeping on.
As I read, one verse from the Bible keeps coming to mind: Am I my brother’s keeper? and to be inclusive, am I my sister’s keeper? Yes I am! LIFE’s information brings that sentiment to the forefront, and has become a question I strive to answer positively as I go about my day in my different roles as a mother, daughter, aunt, friend, supervisor, etc. Servant leadership is essential in all these roles.
Absolutely Imelda, you are a true example of servant leadership in all areas of your life. Proud to be associated with you my dear!
Thanks for the great article Kristen! I am constantly amazed by the servant leadership of the founders of LIFE as well as you and all the people we are working with. Working in a parochial school setting I do see a lot of servant leadership and we strive to get the children thinking that way, but it’s kind of expected in that setting. How many businesses out there make servant leadership it’s number one priority? Not many, if any that I can think of… until now- LIFE is setting the example of what a business should be about! We are truly blessed!
You are exactly right Joanne, the TEAM is setting the bar for what servant leadership is really all about! Thank you for being a incredible example for many to follow.
Kristen
Your words are true and your actions speak to the truth of them. As well Georges article. I had recently listened to a sermon message on humility and what it did was to contrast pride versus humility. In a nutshell pride is selfserving and humility is modeled after Christ and serves others. At our meeting the other night Matt Mielke spoke of the joy that comes from doing for others without any expectation of getting something in return. What the life business offers is a way for people to serve others because its a winning model. Additionally that there is that oppurtunity to have it come back to you in ways that are true blessings. We have great models of servant leadership in the life business. Thanks Kristen for your leadership
That is a perfect example Matt. I am so impressed by your growth and leadership. The Mielke’s hit the nail on the head with that statement and I see you being an example of that in so many ways. Your blessings will be abundant and I know God will give you the grace to stay humble in the midst of greatness. See you at the challenge group!