Congratulations to all the 2013 Leadership Roundtable graduates!

120 Leaders spent the last seven months dedicating themselves to learning more about servant leadership. About 2/3 of these leaders were in their first year of LRT and about a 1/3 were in their second or third year of LRT. I continue to be inspired by the hearts of these leaders and their desire to serve those within their sphere of influence

As in year’s past, the final session of LRT consists of first year participants sharing their leadership point of view, which they have been developing throughout the year. This always is one of the most powerful sessions of the year. 

 One of the components of a leadership point of view is the mentors that have had an influence on an individual in their life. I was really struck by a similar theme in this area this year. Close to 75% of the participants listed at least one grandparent as someone who had a significant positive impact on their life from a leadership standpoint. 

That really hit me. I am going to become a grandparent for the first time in two months. As would obviously be expected, I am very excited about this upcoming addition to our family. But I am certainly looking at it with much more importance after hearing so many people share about how significantly important their grandparents were for them in their framework on leadership.

As servant leaders, there is nothing better than being listed on someone’s list of mentors that have helped them along their journey. But I believe this will not happen unless, you take this responsibility seriously and get intentional about investing into people’s lives. 

Whether it is a grandchild, a child, a spouse, a direct report, a peer, a friend, a parent, or anyone within your sphere of influence, servant leaders are present and approachable for all these people, and provide a positive model of what servant leadership looks like. 

Whether we realize it or not, these folks are all watching us, so we are making an impression of some kind. I urge you to take this role seriously so that you don’t squander this most important aspect of your life.

I also ask you to consider who were the key mentors in your life, and let them know how much they meant to you. It will mean a lot to them!! 

Mark Deterding

Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.  1 Timothy 4:11-12