Choosing to Serve to Lead

When I chose the name, Serve2Lead for my business, I wanted to capture what I felt I was called to do. But I also wanted it to serve as a reminder to myself that I have to focus on Serving and Leading even when life shows up in ways that flood you with emotions and stress.
 
In some ways, it has always come natural to me and something I never thought much about focusing on. Others would describe what I did as service, but I never felt it was really accurate as it seemed that the way they described it seemed much more noble than I felt.
 
How we view ourselves, knowing our thoughts, inner voices and feelings, doesn’t always support the image others see and experience. Our fears, anxiety and anger are a part of what shapes us but that is the part people don’t see. It’s how the sausage is made!
 
Servant Leadership
My mentor, Steve Moles, shared a book with me early in our relationship called, The Way of the Shepherd written by Dr. Kevin Leman and William Pentak. It drove home the message of Servant Leadership which has been at the forefront of how I have tried to lead, but maybe not always as successful as I intended. 
 
I started writing this blog as part of my journey to become a more intentional leader - to serve otters through leading.  The topics I have chosen to write about were ones that were relevant to my experiences with others and areas that I hoped could connect and help others, even if they didn’t recognize that they needed help. 
 
The Serve2Lead Logo
I bring this up because it comes back to why I chose the name, Serve2Lead. When creating the logo, I felt it was important to include the circular arrows. It reinforces that while you must Serve to Lead, I wanted to call out why I choose to Lead, and the reason is to Serve. It also serves as a reminder that lives and actions are connected and that what you do impacts others - either positively or negatively.
 
I used the number two, not just to be trendy, but I wanted a reminder that to be successful you need both. You can Serve and not Lead just as you can Lead and not Serve. But to truly be a Person of Impact you need to do both. 
 
Fostering a Serve2Lead Culture
Establishing #LeadersLead is another part of my Serve2Lead journey. It is a free monthly, virtual gathering where leaders discuss pertinent topics facing leaders today. I use the subtitle, Leaders Growing Together because we don’t have to be alone on this journey. Others have travelled a similar road, maybe with similar experiences and different reactions.  What can we learn from others? What can we share with others?
 
If you have not yet participated in a #LeadersLead session, you can watch the past sessions and then register for the next session and join us in the Leadership Arena. 
 
The Serve2Lead mindset is at the heart of the 3 Pillars of Impact. The approach used in our development sessions, in the individual and small group IMPACT Coaching, is all about how we can make an impact through serving others. We say it’s about building a culture of success, because it’s based on a culture of serving. 
 
So that’s it! That’s why I chose Serve2Lead. My energy comes from the opportunity to Serve AND to Lead. That energy is used to feed others and in turn is used to fuel me. Whether you choose to Serve to Lead or you Lead to Serve, you are choosing to make an impact, Beyond Today.

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