The servant leader

Happy New Year! We are entering the next six months of the Lion year 2017-2018. Let’s look at the next six months as a beginning; a beginning of setting the stage for the continuation of serving our communities. Though officer and director terms may end, your club’s service to the community continues. Are you preparing your club to continue its legacy of service?
 
In preparing your club for the future, what type of leader will you be? Let me offer one possibility – become a servant leader. A servant leader is an approach to leadership where you are a “servant” first, focusing on the needs (not feelings) of others before you consider your own needs. As a servant leader, you recognize and acknowledge the perspectives of others and provide support they need to meet their goals. You involve your team (i.e., club members) in the goal setting process and decision making (as appropriate). This is done to create a sense of trust and community in your team.
 
There are 10 key characteristics of being a servant leader: Listening, Empathy, Healing, Awareness, Persuasion, Conceptualization, Foresight, Stewardship, Commitment to the growth of people, and Building community. How many of these characteristics do you have, which do you need to development, and which do you need to strengthen? (To learn more about these characteristics visit this link: https://www.regent.edu/acad/global/publications/jvl/vol1_iss1/Spears_Final.pdf).
 
Being a servant leader is a process refined over time and practice. While your term as an officer or director may come to an end, the leadership you provide your club continues. Start now in identifying and developing leaders in your club to take the helm in July. Take the steps to lead your club’s legacy into the future.
 
Leading our legacy into the future,
 
Mark Piva
2nd VDG
[email protected]