I ended up having a pretty crazy kind of day today, but it was really good!
When I got to work, I saw on my calendar that the Downtown Lakeland Partnership was having their annual meeting at the Museum this morning. The Museum is a member, since we are considered part of "downtown". My boss moved another meeting so staff could attend the DLP meeting. Bill Mutz was the speaker. He is kind of a Lakeland legend. He owned Lakeland Auto Mall until a few years ago, when he sold it. He has started a new business, but I digress. He and his wife have 12 children...all natural children. They are Baptist, not Catholic! (smiling) He is well known in the business community and is very involved in his church. His talk was on Servant Leadership.
After the meeting, I sent an email to ask for the 20 points he made, that identify servant leaders. Got them this afternoon. Here they are:
- They don’t care who gets the credit; just that the job gets done.
- They don’t care who is watching; they are simply motivated to see that others’ needs are met.
- They aren't motivated solely by tax deductibility; but rather that enough money is raised to meet the cause.
- They recognize there are many obstacles; they start by removing the ones in their path – they are Overcomers.
- When “surprised” by life’s unexpected circumstances, their reflex is to look for the greater good.
- Their schedules are interruptible; their personal priorities are pre-disposed towards others.
- They recognize humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of others more.
- They prefer seeking harmony for the good of the whole rather than focusing on what they want.
- They are inclined to defuse tension when working with others while finding ways to reach an overall objective.
- Servant Leaders take initiative! They are self-disciplined.
- They live life “zoomed out” and recognize they do their worst work when being self-focused.
- They support those in authority and show them due respect; being subject to governing authority typifies their life.
- They live ethically and efficiently by embracing this truth: There is no right way to do the wrong thing.
- They work to respond with empathy when others are angry. They recognize Anger is merely a “red dash light” reflecting something else is wrong – they seek to heal that hurt.
- They embrace debate as a positive means to discover the most broadly effective solutions.
- They tend to be optimistic by maintaining a solutions-oriented mindset.
- They know others reach their greatest potential when their work is recognized and appreciated. (We tend to do our worst work when criticized.)
- They release others from the expectation for perfection and place great value on the freedom to grow from failures – they believe the best!
- They are observant, patient, good listeners, and take delight in doing the little things that ultimately make very big differences.
- They provide grace to others as they follow Rudyard Kipling’s advice: “Make the MOST of the best and the LEAST of the worst”
Okay - back to my office. My boss came in and asked me if I was ready to go. (What?!!) I had not put on my calendar that 'we' were going to the Yacht Club for the annual meeting of VISTE. (Yes, another annual meeting!) VISTE is an amazing organization here in town. It stands for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly. This was a celebration of their 30th year. Wow. They help the frail elderly with transportation to and from appointments, food and personal care items, small home repairs, delivering things, and lots of other things. Their statistics and stories were impressive. I've known about VISTE for years, but had never really had a chance to learn more about them. It was a great experience. I resisted the fried chicken, fried shrimp, mashed potatoes, and desserts. I had a big plate of salad.
So, back to the office again, and I did get some work done, but not all that I had planned for today. That's okay, though. It will get done. It was a good kind of crazy day.
Hump day is nearly over. Wishing you a good Thursday! Peace, love & hugs.
