As I was enjoying my Father’s Day on Sunday I was remembering my dad and reflecting on the servant leadership lessons that I learned him. My father was my lifetime leadership mentor. The example he set will always be the foundation for the way I lead. Here are a few of the lessons I learned from my dad about servant leadership.
I learned the importance of humility. He was the humblest of men, never looking to bring attention to himself but instead always working behind the scenes on behalf of his family and co-workers.
I learned the importance of hard work and a commitment to excellence. In the printing business, there were always deadlines to meet, and he never called it a day until the work was done and at the highest level of quality.
I learned the importance of selflessness. Even though Dad was always busy with his job, yard work, or general work around the house, he always had time for me when I wanted it. He would spend countless hours catching me while I pitched to him in the summer, playing Ping-Pong with me in the winter, or talking “shop” as I learned the printing trade.
I learned the importance of commitment to core values. There was never any question in our household that everything we had was a gift of God. It was up to us to be good stewards of what we had been given, as well as our family’s values. When he drew a line in the sand, I knew not to cross it or there would be consequences.
I learned the importance of positive recognition. After any sporting event I participated in, my dad always made a positive comment about some aspect of the game; he always found a way to build me up. That carried on into my working years as well. My dad was my biggest cheerleader.
I learned the importance of mutual respect and trust. Dad had a huge amount of respect for all people in the organization, no matter what their role. He treated everyone the same, no matter their position or responsibility.
I learned the impact and importance of a smile. My dad could light up the room with his smile. His positive attitude and smile always led to an environment that people wanted to be a part of.
Lastly I learned the importance of modeling the way. My dad never talked a lot about leadership; he just let his actions do the talking. I learned so much just from watching how Dad lived his life.
I am very thankful for God’s blessing of an amazing dad in my life!
Mark
Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. John 5:19