Lesson #7 - The Heart of Leadership: Serving the People
Question #1- What do you find most challenging about serving others? Why?
Question #2- What is the single best way you can serve your team in your current leadership role/position role? How does this benefit them?
*** “Leadership is service, not position.” Tim Fargo
Please answer both questions and respond to other posts
Question #1
ReplyDeleteTime. Not only do we live in a fast paced world, we also work in an environment that is ever changing with constant demands that consume time. It is quite possible that we do waste time or fail to use it effectively on a regular basis, however, life also requires balance. I am certain that I could do a better job to prioritize and allocate the proper time to serve others. To do so, I could be better at scheduling time ahead and sticking to it rather than allowing distractions to get in the way of serving others. Additionally, the time allotted has to work for both parties involved. Each individual has different things pulling them in directions. The time has to be committed by both people for success and growth to occur.
Travis I couldn't agree more. There are so many distractions in this world. If only we had one extra hour in the day.
DeleteGreat point Travis! Commitment is a 2 way street. Both individuals must put the time in and commit to it in order for success.
DeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteThe best way I can serve my co-workers is to discover what their goals and needs are through conversation, questioning and anticipation. Once their goals and needs are determined I can serve them by offering my knowledge, experience and willingness to help them through the journey. I can leverage my strengths, offer resources and include others where my abilities lack. I feel that the transaction is mutually beneficial. My co-workers will attain their desired growth and I will expand my ability to teach others. We as a team become stronger and will function more seamlessly. This is a by-product of sharing thought processes, experiences, knowledge and expectations.
I like this point. Communication skills are always so important with listening being one that we all can improve on and often overlook.
DeleteTravis, this is a great point. You can't be an effective leader and offer your services, if you don't know what your team needs.
Delete#1- What is most challenging in serving others? Why?
ReplyDeletePersonal accountability. I have to remain disciplined and accountable to myself if I want to successfully serve others. It requires constant work and dedication. As the Maxwell says, “To bring out the best in others, I have to first bring out the best in me. I cannot give what I do not have.”
#2- What is the Single best way to serve your team?
ReplyDeleteEach day I want to work to improve; to be a little better. Maxwell says, “As a servant leader, when you improve yourself in areas that are important to the people you lead, not only do you get better, but you make the person you serve better.” Success for the team is not when I get better alone, or when they get better alone, but when everyone improves together.
Constant improvement is important for all of us.
DeleteTo me, this is the single highest priority for a leader, strive to improve!!! Well said, Mark!!
DeleteI completely agree with you Mark, the improvement together as a united team is above all else!
DeleteWeek 4, Lesson #7
ReplyDeleteQuestion #1
The biggest challenge I find to serving others is prioritizing others needs ahead of my own. I struggle with not having everything on my calendar complete before I stop to help others. One thing I’ve learned in serving others is that we do not always need to put it on a calendar. Often times service to others is a “now” thing, and can be accomplished with little time commitment. This is where I feel I can improve the most. Obviously situations that require more time should be planned in advance, but I have found that great leaders make time for the little things they can help with quickly.
That is a great point Bobby, attending to the "now" needs of others will be much more impactful for those you serve than if they are put off. It shows your dedication and commitment to those you serve.
DeleteBobby, taking care of the "now" for a person that is in need, could be monumental in their development and give them the support they needed.
DeleteQuestion #1- What do you find most challenging about serving others? Why?
ReplyDeleteSometimes the most challenging thing about serving others is keeping a positive attitude while engaging in servant leadership. We can often forget why we are serving others. When I am at the station, and someone brings up an issue that they are very passionate about, it is my job as a union representative to listen to their concerns. When dealing with union issues, It is not always a positive topic. I need to see it from their point of view and relate to their concern. If I tell them that they don’t know what they are talking about and tell them how they are wrong, the conversation can go downhill very quickly. Even if I disagree with them, I need to listen to them and respect their feelings; it can be challenging when you don’t see eye to eye with someone. I have learned that sometimes just a conversation with someone upset can help us understand the situation. They need to know that I am here to help.
Great points Mark. I think somebody that is willing to listen is serving.
DeleteI feel you do a good job of listening and staying positive, Mark. You tend to understand when someone is in need of help or a solution vs when someone is trying to vent.
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ReplyDeleteQuestion #2- What is the single best way you can serve your team in your current leadership role/position role? How does this benefit them?
The single best thing I can do to serve my team in my current leadership role is to actively listen and keep myself from getting emotionally involved in the issues brought to me. This allows me to remain objective and help address other’s concerns before they grow into problems.
As an Engineer, I serve as a mentor to the Firefighters and a supporter of the Captain and this organization. It is my job to understand and help address the crew’s concerns and convey the concerns of my Captain and the organization to them. Engineers can motivate and inspire future leaders through their actions and by the relationships they establish. With a positive attitude, Engineers can be helpful and instrumental in helping others reach their goals. It is my duty to know my role and be willing to embrace this responsibility of helping grow this organization.
Mark, great point. Listening is something you excel at.
DeleteYour right Mark. Engineers play a necessary and important role in leadership and personnel development.
DeleteGreat point Mark. Listening is huge and I enjoy listening I forget to mention the impact it can have for someone. Great point about the Engineer position too. The Engineer is number 2 and allows a buffer for the Captain for issues.
DeleteGood point Mark, you actually walk the walk and talk the talk when it comes to listening and supporting others!
DeleteWeek 4, Lesson #7
ReplyDeleteQuestion #2
The single best way I can serve our team in my current position is by making myself available. In this chapter the author writes about an “open door policy.” Open door policies only work if the people on the other side feel comfortable enough to come in. John C. Maxwell wrote, “here’s a thought: instead of leaving the door open, go out of the door to where the people are and look for what they need. Then give it to them before they even ask.” I think this is especially important for us as leaders in the fire service. Seeking opportunities to help the team grow will only increase the rate in which they do so.
With time so limited and schedules so time, being available is challenging, yet so important and necessary. Bobby I agree with you that it’s not only important to have an open door, but the trust from those entering that if they enter the door, it will be helpful and constructive.
DeleteVery well put Bobby, never thought about that perspective but makes sense and shows you care!!!
DeleteQuestion #1- What do you find most challenging about serving others? Why?
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Foster’s response about “time” being my biggest challenge with serving others. Sometimes, we get so busy taking care of things, that we don’t have the time to take care of others. Prioritizing others wants/needs over our own is a hard concept to grasp. It’s something that I personally struggle with and something that I need to work on both at home and at work.
Question #2- What is the single best way you can serve your team in your current leadership role/position role? How does this benefit them?
I believe the best way I can serve my team is to listen intently. There are times when people listen but don’t truly comprehend or acknowledge what is being said. I’m not proud of it, but I too am guilty of this. If we take the time to listen to each other, we can offer much more support and leadership to our team.
Andrew I agree. There is a difference between listening and truly understanding what is being said. Effective leadership requires the ability to truly understand the input leaders receive from there team.
DeleteIt’s not easy to be an effective listener.
ReplyDeleteQuestion #1
ReplyDeleteThe most challenging thing for me about serving others is time management. I’m a very busy person, but when asked I will drop everything to help someone out. In return, I push my projects to the side and try to get them finished later, but all along while helping someone I’m thinking about my projects and not completely engaged with the person I’m helping. I need to prioritize projects and create a schedule so I have time to help others and finish my projects
Great points Tommy. We never get more time; we only get to decide how to use it. Anyone can be effective when they prioritize their time. Abraham Lincoln said, "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four hours sharpening the axe." I also like the old saying- how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
DeleteTommy, I have seen you and benefited from you putting my needs before yours during the engineer preparation. You exemplified what it means to be a servant leader and I will forever be appreciative of the time you allocated to my success! I can assure you that I didn't feel as if you were only partially engaged or thinking about other things. Thank you!
DeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteThe best way I can serve my team in my current leadership role/ position is to continue to grow as a person and be available for them. I continue to work on my “what ever it takes attitude” like Maxwell stated “We all experience times when we feel bad. Our attitude cannot stop our feelings, but it can keep our feelings from stopping us”.
DeleteTommy, I like how you spoke about personal growth. Speaking for myself, I often feel more motivated when around others who are continually improving themselves.
Question #1
ReplyDeleteAbove all, Time! I've come to realize it truly is life’s most precious commodity. We all have responsibilities, personal and professional, that demand our undivided attention. In other books, they refer to this as “The Burden of Command.” Leaders need to understand that your people and their needs come before all. A way to overcome this is to implement the prioritization tactics we’ve discussed in the book, The Pareto Principle, Rule of Margin, etc.
I agree Steve make time to serve. I keep hearing about that book, maybe it’s a sign to buy it. Good info brother.
DeleteI agree Steve and liked how you assimilated it to a precious commodity, it certainly is! You are absolutely right...it is something we can overcome if properly planned.
Delete
ReplyDeleteQuestion#2
Everyone plays a part in leadership, from the Rookie Firefighter to the most senior of personnel. Currently, and going forward, my goal is to maintain a continual positive attitude. This affects all aspects of station life, from the morale at the kitchen table to how we treat our patients. It also fosters an open, approachable atmosphere that is primed for learning and growth. Lastly, as we have all said in past blogs, attitude is contagious! And is the priority in everything we do.
Good points Steve. Especially at Station 1, it is important to have a positive attitude. There is a lot that gets filtered through there to the rest of the department.
DeleteIt hard to think of any challenges to serve others. The only few things I can think of is making sure there is time to do it, a clear understanding of what someone needs to get accomplished.
ReplyDeleteOf course any challenges with myself could be a challenge to serve. There’s a lot of reward to serve someone else that allows me to put my problems aside. Not always the best case but I enjoy the reward to serve.
Question 2:
ReplyDeleteThe best way I serve my team is through positivity and vulnerability. The positive reflection through vulnerability allows my team to know it’s ok to be vulnerable. It shows courage and keeps my team open through life’s challenges. I hope that vulnerability spreads throughout our organization as it has in this blog in the last couple weeks. Everyone has experienced it and we’re all still breathing. It shows courage, keep it going everyone.
Kyle I agree with you about being vulnerable. It is something that was taboo years ago. Why would anyone want to talk about their struggles with anyone? I think its something we need to as an organization get better at so we can help each other and encourage people to ask for help if needed.
DeleteI agree with both of you guys...if we don't share our struggles we could feel as if we are alone in it. It is much more likely that we share many of the same struggles or have relevant experiences that could help one another in a time of need.
DeleteQuestion #1 – What do you find most challenging about serving others? Why?
ReplyDeleteWhat I find most challenging about serving others is my assumption, my “blind spot,” that others will grasp ideas and concepts as quickly as I do. I find myself giving minimal direction and explanation. I get caught up thinking that since I understand something, others will as well. I know this not to be true. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. We all have different ways we learn and comprehend. I have to remind myself that not everyone understands the way I do, and I need to adjust the way I interact with others to suit their strengths.
I find that being an instructor really brings out my blind spot. I try to be aware of how there are different ways that people learn so that I can be effective at teaching. My challenge is that I have a natural tendency to teach the way that I learn best. In order to overcome this I ask a lot of questions of my students. The goal is to verify that they’re getting the concepts. That will help me know if I’m communicating clearly and adjust accordingly.
DeleteQuestion #2 – What is the single best way you can serve your team in your current leadership role/position role? How does this benefit them?
ReplyDeleteI believe the best way I can serve my team is to keep a positive attitude. I know it sounds cliché and generic, but there is so much truth to it. This past year has been rough on all of us, and it's almost impossible not to have some effect on us personally and professionally. Also, I/we have been putting a tremendous amount of work into preparing for the captain's exam. Having a positive attitude is contagious. I know if I have a positive outlook, they will as well.
ReplyDeleteLesson 7 Question #1- What do you find most challenging about serving others? Why?
Recognizing that there are times I can assist someone’s situation and then there are times I cannot not give them an immediate solution they need. To serve others who is to do whatever it takes to assist them with their objectives and needs. I don't like to procrastinate on things, I like to take care of situations right away and move on. For me being a servant to others means you want to see them succeed, help them grow especially your own crew. Helping others succeed only helps you succeed because you can learn from everyone at any age. Serving others means you are there to help them develop and grow. Even when you don’t have all the answers you can help them find the answers.
This is mine above.
ReplyDeleteLesson7 Question #2- What is the single best way you can serve your team in your current leadership role/position role? How does this benefit them? The best way I can serve my current team is to listen to them and respond when they need help. When I say listen to them I MEAN LISTEN TO THEM. Listen to what their goals and objectives are, make them a priority and by doing so they will make you a priority. When a team works well together they will look after each other and push each other to succeed and be driven. This makes the whole team feel much more cohesive than just a crew who works together.
ReplyDeleteBrian, I also prefer The approach you mentioned. I find I am more motivated when I create my own vision for my success. I think it’s good to have help, but it must to come from inside the individual. I can recognize that some people need help drawing that out of them.
DeleteListening sounds so easy and simple, but it often gets overlooked. Sometimes you just need someone to listen to you and hear what you are saying. I often find the people I tend to confide in are the best Listeners.
DeleteI agree, Brian. Listening is a big part of leadership. If we don’t show interest in people, they won’t show interest in us. I know you, and I have had excellent conversations, so I know you are a great listener.
DeleteWk 4. Lesson 7. Q1.
ReplyDeleteServing others can mean different things to different people. For me serving others takes many forms. Helping people with projects, goals, tasks are ways I serve others. Encouraging people, praying for and with them through life’s challenges are other ways. I find that moving at peoples individual paces are the most challenging. Some people I’ve served have processed through things quick, some started and stopped and some took months/years. The reason I believe this is challenging for me is that I’m helping them through something I’ve been through and I may have the “answer”. My excitement for them to have victory over their challenge causes me to feel impatient when they don’t move through quickly. What is interesting about this, you may see it as contradictory, when I’ve processed through challenges I didn’t want someone else pushing me faster than my pace. So I know that I MUST HAVE patience when I’m helping someone through something that I’ve completed or had victory over.
Arnie, I can honestly say I am grateful for your friendship. You mentioned that a way you are able to serve others is by encouraging people and praying for them through life challenges. I am a recipient of this and I can honestly say I am thankful for you and the encouragement and prayers you send.
DeleteWk 4. Lesson 7. Q2.
ReplyDeleteIf I consider my position/role as engineer on my crew I feel I serve them many ways. I believe as an engineer I’m in a position to represent our captain and department leadership to the firefighters. Also, I feel that I am a representative of the crew to the captain. This may be a “tired” or “old” perspective, in fact, with crews that have established relationships there may not be much call for a “go-between” person. Here is something I feel even stronger about….I’m 53. I’ve been a paramedic for 32 years and in the fire service 30 years. I feel that I can serve my team best by being an active part of the team. Sound too simple? Hear me out. In my experiences, the “old guys” were the ones that “earned the right” to sit and watch, to be served, to have the easy tasks, to be protected from danger. “Just sit in the engine. We got this.” Sometimes out of respect for age, years of service, sometimes because people thought they were no longer relevant. That’s not who I am. For me, I strive to stay relevant, in my career, with my adult kids, my grandsons, my nieces and nephews, with my elders, my peers, with the teens at church. I believe, and have seen, relevance will open a door for opportunity. I see myself as an example. “It’s not what you know, it’s what you do” is something my wife has said over the years and it rings true for me. I want to be an example to my crew that if I come to work I’m here to work. That whole “retired on-duty” moniker is funny but its not for me.
Question #1- What do you find most challenging about serving others? Why?
ReplyDeleteThe biggest challenge about serving others for myself is being consitent with the level of service for everyone. It is very challenging to feel like I provide the same level of service day in and day out. We all have our own life's with our own struggles and unfortunately I admit that my priorities are not always where they need to be. I used to be a "Yes" man and would say yes to anything that was presented to me. I found that my production was minimal in what was being required of me, and in turn my level of service was sub par. I have never been one to settle for sub par just as I do not expect sub par service from others. We are asked to provide a service every-time we respond to a call. We are expected to provide the best service our customers can get. we pride ourselves on this however, I can personally admit there have been instances where I may not have always provided the highest service whether it was at home being engaged with my kids, or not as productive at work. The point is it is difficult to provide the highest service all the time in every fascet in my life. I continue to work on being present and providing the best of myself each day in whatever capacity that may be.
DeleteI know what you mean, Joel. We can’t always say yes. If we take too much on, we cant give our best to one thing. We can only offer our "so, so" to the other stuff we take on. I think you provide fantastic customer service and are a terrific father!
Good insight Joel. Something we all deal with I believe.
ReplyDeleteQuestion #2- What is the single best way you can serve your team in your current leadership role/position role? How does this benefit them?
ReplyDeleteThe single best way I can serve the team in my current leadership role / position is to hold each other accountable. We are all in the position of Engineer and all have experience in this position. I take a great deal of pride in this position whether it is taking the position seriously and being competent in our roles and responsibilities on calls, or taking some weight off the Company Officers plate. My personal opinion is that the rank of engineer has kind of had a stigma of the "cushest" spot and that we do not do much. Again just my perspective in general. The position can be whatever you make of it and the as in any position it is what we make of it and want out of it. I take pride in the position and I think it is important we hold each other accountable to lead by example. Making sure the routine is getting done, making sure the apparatus and equipment is ready at all times, hold each other accountable on calls. Having some acting Captain shifts especially at Station 1 with staffing and reports, I definitely have appreciated crews taking initiative and taking care of day to day things around the station. If in my current position I set this example not only does it help out the Captain it also sets a example for the rest of the crew and hopefully they will carry on the same accountability for themselves and others as they progress throughout their careers.
Question #1
ReplyDeleteWhat I find most challenging about serving others is understanding their needs and wants. I feel to be a good servant leader it is a two-way street. I am willing to help, inspire, motivate, and give myself to others but they have to be willing to except. Maxwell wrote “the best servant leaders anticipate what their people need from them. They are proactive in helping the people they lead”. I feel this is a challenge because everyone’s needs are different and without two-way communication, I can only assume the direction to lead them in. I don’t want to push in a direction they don’t want, and in return they will not be successful, I think that will be counterproductive. I want people to succeed and to do that communication is key. The ability to create an open dialogue, one that others are willing to accept, I feel can be a challenge and can be worked on.
Travis, I think communication is everything. If we can open up and create good relationships, we can ask the questions instead of assuming the answers. You are very personal and are an excellent person to talk to when you need advice.
DeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteI feel the single best way I can serve my team in my current role/position is in my attitude. When I say attitude, I mean how I respond to incidents, deal with the community, the willingness and understanding I have to listen to others, and how I respond to struggles and hardships. I feel as an Engineer we are the “middleman” in a since. The members look to us a lot of the time because they don’t want to “bother” the Captain or they feel more comfortable and can relate more to the Engineer. How I respond with a positive attitude and willingness to help others, I believe will carry on to those on my team. My willingness to listen and empathize with them I feel will help them grow and in return pass the positivity and vulnerability on. As an Engineer I feel I am in a great place to inspire and influence those below me. With an open mind and positive attitude I feel it is the best way I can serve others.
Question #1- What do you find most challenging about serving others? Why?
ReplyDeleteWhen serving others I think the most challenging part is finding how to serve them in a way that meets their needs. Everyone is different and grows at their own pace. It requires patience consistency and persistency.
Question #2- What is the single best way you can serve your team in your current leadership role/position role? How does this benefit them?
ReplyDeleteI believe the single best way to serve our team is to continue to grow myself. Grow physically in strength. Growing in skill set and knowledge will improve my game and make me a better asset for the team. That will directly impact better care to the community we serve.
Question #1
ReplyDeleteI find time and consistency to be the most challenging when serving others. A lot of times when we are called to a scene, we are only with our patients for a brief moment. At times I have found it challenging to manage my time to best serve our patients.
Question #2
ReplyDeleteThe single best way I can serve my team is to become a master of my craft. As a new firefighter I am still learning new things every day. I could contribute to my team by working hard and continuing to learn as much as I can to better serve my team when the time comes.
Question #1- What do you find most challenging about serving others? Why?
ReplyDeleteFor me, the most challenging aspect of serving others would have to be time and time management. Making sure that not only am I making the time need in my personnel and professional life but also managing the time that I have to give.
Question #2- What is the single best way you can serve your team in your current leadership role/position role? How does this benefit them?
The single best way I can serve my team is to never stop learning. Being new to my position and district asking questions, seeking answers, and constantly bettering myself will not only make me a better professional but will also benefit those around me as we learn together.
Q1
ReplyDeleteThe most challenging aspect of serving others is knowing, or understanding their needs in order to be able to make the most impact.
Q2
They best way I can serve my coworkers as a firefighter just off of probation would be to engage more in conversation with my crew to understand the different personalities and Improve communication.
Q1
ReplyDeleteThe most challenging aspect of serving others is knowing, or understanding their needs in order to be able to make the most impact.
Q2
They best way I can serve my coworkers as a firefighter just off of probation would be to engage more in conversation with my crew to understand the different personalities and Improve communication.