I’m not a swan expert, but if I watch them, I don’t see them worrying about other swans (unless a mother with her young). I mean, look at this picture – the swans are “a swimming” on their own – focused on their surroundings and their needs. Given that observation, they aren’t a good model for our task today.
But hey, we are working on the 12 Days of Christmas theme here, and it is Day 7. If you missed the start or the premise of the 12 (Leadership) Days of Christmas, you can find it and get completely caught up with days 12-8 here.
Let’s get on with your task – and when completed – your gift to yourself and your team. Ask yourself these questions . . .
On balance, how often is my focus on others, versus myself?
How would being more focused on others benefit my team, my organization, and ultimately myself?
What could I do right now to both put my focus on others, and show it through my actions?
There is much that could be written about how important this is, and how hard it is at the same time. Being able to place others ahead of ourselves is what servant leadership is all about. In the end, leadership isn’t about us – it is about others and the goals we are trying to achieve.
As you understand this and are able to live it, at least some of the time, you give a tremendous gift to your team, your organization, and yes, yourself.
Answer the questions above and take action on them.
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