Some people call them “random acts of kindness”… others “simply being polite.” To me, it is all about serving others. Service to others is one of the best and easiest things we can do. And when we practice it often, it becomes a habit and a lifelong commitment to serving others.
I learned about having a service commitment when I was young, through the Scouts and through high school and collegiate organizations. I have continued that involvement in both formal and informal ways. I am a member of a civic organization that focuses on service, Kiwanis International, and I do work through my church. But, I also take time to serve in other ways.
When I see trash on the ground, I pick it up. When I see someone in need, I help. In fact, I think my attitude is rubbing off on others. As I write this blog in my favorite bagel shop, my friend and blogging mentor, Kevin, saw a woman approaching the door very tentatively in her walker. He jumped up, opened the door, and she was able to come inside without the worry of being hit by the door. That’s service to others.
In the last week, I had the opportunity to read to a first grade class (I go once a month, see the accompanying picture), stuff plastic eggs for an Easter egg hunt for kids living in nearby apartments, and make sandwiches for a soup kitchen that our church has supported for over 30 years. My daughter, Little One, got excited about the “Soles for Souls” campaign at our church, made posters, and distributed them throughout the neighborhood. She collected 50 pairs of shoes for homeless and needy people! She is only 8 years old! What can you do?
How does serving others make you a leader? It shows you are willing and able to be an example. It gives you insight into the needs and desires of others. It teaches you ways to motivate people. And it gives you a level of confidence that leaders need. Some people believe that “true leadership” can only come through service to others.
Find a way today to be a servant leader. It can be in a big way or a small way, but in all ways you will impact others!
Dave Kelly, America’s Student Leadership Trainer (sm)
April 13th, 2010
That is what Fortune (Charles S. Dutton) asks of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger near the end of the movie “Rudy”. This is after Rudy has been denied the opportunity to dress (be on the sideline in uniform) for the final game of his senior season at Notre Dame. Rudy was never good enough to be a member of the team, but he spent two years working harder than anyone as a member of the practice squad. At the end of his junior year, Notre Dame head coach Ara Parseghian promised to let Rudy dress for a game during his senior season due to his hard work and dedication.
Continue Reading March 11th, 2010
When I was in elementary school, I set a goal of being 6’3” tall. I am 6’2”. Not bad. Almost got there. Betcha didn’t know height is controlled by goal setting! Are you short? Raise the bar, set a higher goal!
Sometimes, though, it makes me do goofy things. Take for example, “Gonzo’s Great Gold Quest”. This was my attempt to achieve my goal of qualifying as a Gold Medallion member of Delta Airlines Sky Miles program.
Continue Reading March 2nd, 2010
In part 1 of this blog post, I discussed five of my reasons why you should want to get students involved in community service. But how do you get students to be involved in service to others? Here are five ways that have worked for me:
Continue Reading February 24th, 2010
I am a professional speaker because my dad used to toss beer cans out of the window of his car. (letting that sink in) I grew up in Wisconsin, at a time when drinking while driving, or even riding, was not the taboo it is today. I always thought there was something wrong with my dad littering like that. Then I saw a TV commercial with a Native American shedding a tear while looking at garbage along a highway. I knew then that I wanted to make a difference in all of the trash that I was seeing, and later in the world.
Continue Reading February 22nd, 2010
This past September, I was recruited for combat duty by the Georgia Southern University Leadership Boot Camp. My job was to turn students into a well-oiled, combat-ready leadership machine. Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but I was the keynote speaker (“10 Steps to a Winning Mental Attitude”) and a break-out session presenter (“Making the Most of Your 24/7” and “Everyday Leadership”). However, this blog entry is about what I saw the Georgia Southern people doing right and some ideas for you to use on your campus…
Continue Reading January 19th, 2010
At the start of the academic year or the semester many colleges and universities conduct leadership programs and retreats for student government officers, members of the campus programming board, emerging leaders programs, and residence life. Many of these programs include a variety of topics including servant leadership and developing effective communication between team members. Usually, there is a team building element to these events where students get to know each other better and make connections that will hopefully make the year a success…
Continue Reading January 13th, 2010
I have had a lot of mentors in my life, people that I look up to, people who encouraged and supported me. They could have easily pushed me aside or told me I was never going to succeed, but they took an interest in me, and that has made all of the difference in my life…
Continue Reading January 7th, 2010
Are you in a rut, bunky? Feeling like every day is like the day before? And you are certain that you are not caught up in a “Star Trek” or “Groundhog Day” like time loop?
I have an idea for you!
Continue Reading December 15th, 2009
Are you worried about how things are going? Persevere and Persist
Having financial problems? Persevere and Persist
Lost your job? Persevere and Persist
Things seem a little out of control? Persevere and Persist
Are you to the point where you have no idea what to do? Persevere and Persist
You will come through this. You will overcome the challenges you face. You only have to do one thing: Persevere and Persist
Continue Reading November 17th, 2009
Next Posts
Previous Posts
