Be Nice

Be Nice

Does this topic need any more explanation? I hope not but just for the sake of argument we will expand on some related topics.

Character Traits

An important concept to remember is that every character trait has an opposite. My theory is that if you do not possess the character trait then you possess the opposite of the trait. For instance, if you do not have enthusiasm you have apathy.  I’m sure that you can find arguments to this but what is in the middle? Just like most leadership traits are entwined, so are most character traits. What is your favorite character trait? I have several.

Trustworthiness might be at the top. If people trust you, authentic relationships are more likely. If you can trust the people around you, more can get accomplished and leadership does not take on a power position but rather a choice. Trust is powerful as is most positive character.

Any character that you bring on the leader-ship is modeled after your appeal. Remember, no one is perfect at character so when you make a mistake it’s OK to apologize then move on in a positive direction. There’s an old quote: “Character begins at birth and ends at death.” That gives you a lot of stimulus and response in between. To be able stop before you react takes a lot of practice. Start now.

Service Learning

As mentioned previously, the power of positive self-communication can make quantum leaps in your ability to achieve some noteworthy feats. Now let us focus on the power of positive “doing.” When you model positive behavior and get your team involved, your influence and the influence of your organization will exceed what you thought you were capable of accomplishing.

There’s a big difference between community service and service learning. Most people have never really thought about it. Community service is donating hours or some other resource to your community. There is no real learning or commitment taking place. Service learning is actually making the connection to the community or a group and discovering a need then carrying through on that need to make the community or group better. Service learning can also be described as community involvement: a connection for the betterment of people around you.

Several years ago I joined a community education foundation because I wanted to give the children of our town more opportunities for success. The president of the organization  asked me if I was joining to give back. My response was, “I’m not joining to give back, I’m joining to give.” Service learning is unconditional whereas community service has motive for self-gain or fulfilling an obligation. I think of community service as punitive or obligatory.  

For instance, many student groups require community service hours without the notion of a plan to make a difference. I think the planning part is most important when formulating service leadership. Service learning is an important component to the leader-ship and should not be taken lightly. What are the needs of the organization or community? What are your special talents and/or the talents of your organization?

Take a long look at how you can make yourself, people around you, and your community better. Over the years there has also been opportunity for our organization to get involved and make a difference globally. One year we raised money for an organization that brings clean water systems to Chinese orphanages. Another year we sponsored a cancer support organization. Other years we supported local food banks and homeless shelters. There are multiple chances to service learn. Come up with a plan.

In our organization, one component of the leader-ship is for members to come up with their individual service learning plan before they add to our platform. The idea of “paying it forward” may have come from a movie but the service learning involved will make a difference for a lifetime.