Leaders Give, Give and Give Some More: Part One
Wednesday September 11, 2013
Serving others – in addition to its intrinsic value – also serves as therapy for much of what ails us.
“Human beings are complicated, yet from our experience of working with hundreds of thousands of people, we’ve learned that most or even all of the average person’s neuroses and hang-ups disappear when they start giving and serving others.”
from “Living an Extraordinary Life”
by Robert White of Extraordinary People
That “Extraordinary Minute” quote generated more response than any other in our history. I thought you’d enjoy and find personal value in seeing slightly edited reprints of a few of those responses:
Let’s begin with one that brought tears of sadness and joy to me from friend and partner in service, Gordon McCormick:
“I have been dealing with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable fatal bone cancer. I am happy, engaged and very little concerned about the diagnosis and treatment of my disease. I have been giving and serving others with a renewed passion - full time since I only work a few hours a week on business now. It is the best time of my life.
I am the Chairman of Sarvodaya, USA http://www.sarvodayausa.org/ where we have been very active in rebuilding after the Asian Tsunami. We raised $3,500,000 last year. We’re also doing what we can to contribute to the Peace Process in Sri Lanka.
I also serve on the Boards of 2 Fonkoze entities. Fonkoze is the largest Microcredit Bank in Haiti. I have been very active with Search for Common Ground in Sierra Leone and the Middle East in conflict resolution. I work with and advise the CEO's of 3-4 other charities as well.
My wife is miserable since she spends a great deal of time worrying about me and no time serving others.”
I meet some wonderful people when I do public speaking appearances – especially when the subject isleadership strategies. Patricia Tucker who manages a key piece of the U. S. Army’s welfare and recreation services is a great example. She’s also an example of how our jobs can be an expression of higher purpose:
“The business I am in is service--and that is service with a capital S. My staff and the rest of the MWR professionals I work with are responsible for taking care of soldiers and families. Other government employees comment on our "passion" and we say it isn't a job, it is a calling. Some have even called it a vocation. Feeling that what you do makes a difference in people’s lives makes the rest of the pettiness seem very unimportant.”
Extraordinary Wisdom Quote
Our theme this month is serving others, so here are a couple of my favorite quotes on that subject.
“I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
Maya Angelou
“Human beings have an infinite capacity for two things: giving and love. Do you think Mother Teresa ever ran out of love and care to give to the sick and the destitute? At nearly 85 years of age, and with a weak heart, she was still out there giving; traveling and speaking, caring and working as she had been every day since she was a novice. That’s because giving nourishes and replenishes the giver. Taking depletes us and burns us out.”
from “Living an Extraordinary Life”
by Robert White
Extraordinary Living Action Steps –
Be Selfish: Give, Give, Give and then give some more
The action step here is repeated from my April issue …. cuz I can’t communicate it any better:
“I want to be able to say this in way that penetrates deep into your being: Everything I’ve learned about this complicated existence called ‘being human’ and amplified by the experience of working with Levi and Emily and with hundreds of thousands of people, tells me that most or even all of the average person’s neuroses and hang-ups disappear when they start giving and serving others. It’s that simple. If you’re feeling “down” or ineffective or confused or all those conditions where you’re being in a less-resourceful state … just find a way to give, to contribute to others. Doing that will transform your experience of life from ordinary to extraordinary more than any other single known choice.”
Wishing you an Extraordinary Life and Extraordinary Organizations…..
Robert White
Robert White is a Speaker, Author, Leadership Trainer and Executive Mentor who teaches the art and science of mastering executive challenges. He specializes in integrating a heart centered, result-oriented and transformational leadership approach to being effective. His experience includes founding and leading companies doing high-impact experiential learning events with over one million graduates.
Robert’s culture change work has been praised by corporations like JPMorganChase, Progressive Insurance, Duke Energy and The American Cancer Society.
Additionally top business experts and authors Ken Blanchard, Jimmy Calano, Kathy Gardarian, and Robert Wright, plus thousands of training and mentoring clients, have endorsed his professional knowledge and skills.
Robert authored the best-seller “Living an Extraordinary Life” available in English and Mandarin. He is a contributing author to “Being Fuller” a compilation from students of Buckminster “Bucky” Fuller and “One World, One People,” a photo journal of mankind’s journey to oneness.
Today you’ll find him speaking at conferences, hosting masterminds, mentoring today’s emerging business leaders and teaching everything he knows about fostering entrepreneurial success and building an entrepreneurial mindset in established, growth-oriented companies.
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