The Law of Addition (5)

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - John Maxwell Chapter 5 - The Law of Serving Others

Leaders Add Value By Serving Others

A true leader is always looking for ways to grow the people he influences by serving them and making things better and easier for them.  The best leaders are more focused on adding value to people by serving them than on serving themselves or making themselves richer or more powerful.  When you add value and grow those around you, you will reap the benefits of that growth individually as well.  You going through the process of growing others will help you grow exponentially as well.

To consistently add value to those you influence, you must go out of your way to find and think about ways in which you can add value.  

"Seek always to do some good, somewhere.  Every man has to seek in his own to way to realize his true worth.  You must give some time to your fellow man.  For remember, you don't live in a world all your own.  Your brothers are here too."

- Albert Schweitzer - 

Understand that leadership and the influence that is the result of good leadership doesn't have to come from the top or the person in the 'leadership' position.  The best place for a leader is the place where he or she can serve the best and add the most value to other people.  

When you add value to people, you lift them up, help them advance, make them a part of something bigger than themselves, and assist them in becoming who they were made to be. 

We add value when we ...

- Truly value others - Intentionally seeks ways to help others and let them know you care

- Make ourselves more valuable to others - Intentionally have a growth plan for yourself

- Know and relate to what others value - Listen to what other people want and find ways to provide

- Do things that God values

Listen, Learn, and then Lead

It is important to have no unresolved relational conflict with other people.  Serving others allows you to really purify your motives and helps you gain perspective.  

The attitude of the leader affects the atmosphere of the office.

Make it a practice to perform small acts of service for others without seeking credit or recognition for them until you no longer resent doing them.  Also, know what the people closet to you value, and intentionally try to find ways to make adding value to them part of your everyday lifestyle.