As you reflect on professional and personal goals this year, be deliberate about the projects you will work on and contributions you will make. Reading “Servant Leadership in Action” by Ken Blanchard and Renee Broadwell reminds me of what the late Dr. Stephen Covey taught us: We watch not just what people do, but how they act while they do what they do.
All of us are in a position to influence someone. Here are three things do to become a more influential servant-leader:
1. Be more self-aware: Take (or retake) any personality assessment, but instead of doing it to know more about yourself, read your results asking yourself this question: “How do my tendencies impact how others see me?”
2. Practice self-reflection: Make this the year to journal more. Don’t just write a “resume of the day”—instead capture deeper meanings of why you do what you do.
3. Take (better) care of yourself: Experiment with the selflessness that comes with practicing self-care. When you get a little more rest, are more mindful, eat better, and exercise, notice how you are in relationships with other people.
Decide what you want to be known for as a leader and serve those you lead.
