A Lifetime Of Servant Leadership

We celebrated the life of my Mother-in-law, Jo, this past weekend. She lived a full and complete life, never one to rest, especially when her love and passions for family, friends, fellowship, faith, food, fun, art, home, music and dance were involved. 

Which meant JoJo (her grandmother name and how all fondly referred to her) was always in motion as she established more than twenty-three amazing homes during her husband's career, raised three children, fed, nurtured and loved numerous friends, extended family (as needed) and produced hundreds of works of art and embroidered items.

JoJo left a significant legacy of love and devotion to be remembered, embraced and kept alive through the significant accomplishments of her husband, children, in-laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and anyone she met who befriended any of her immediate family.

JoJo's oldest daughter and my wife +Cindy Goldsberry describes JoJo's exceptional traits and characteristics of servant leadership.

• Jo Jo was humble in spirit; there was no hint of pride or privilege despite her abundant talents and blessings. 

• Jo Jo was compassionate about the trials and suffering of others, both in their lives life and at the time of their passing. 

• Jo Jo showed tolerance and humility; she was easily imposed upon and quick to serve. 

• Jo Jo lived a virtuous and admirable life; this is evidenced by her work, her words, and her actions. 

• Jo Jo was quick to forgive and slow to punitive action. 

• Jo Jo saw only the best in people.

• Jo Jo had no time for ongoing discord. She never lamented on an unsettled dispute; she didn't engage in grudges or encourage their practice. 

• Jo Jo had no desire to dwell-upon, or even remember hurtful words and insensitive actions.

• Jo Jo honored God with and in her talents; she left a household of beautiful artwork and memorable meals as a tribute to the gifts He gave her.

Mathew 5:13-16
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Jo loved angels. Now she is one.

Thank you JoJo for modeling the way of genuine, authentic servant leadership where it truly makes a difference for all. JoJo's obituary. 

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

ZFactor blog explores and discusses a variety of techniques, tools and discoveries by successful people that will assist others to achieve greater personal and professional success. ZFactor is a proprietary coaching methodology based upon the premise that successful people think and act differently. The ZFactor methodology is proven to accelerate a person's ability to think and act differently.

Previous blog on JoJo's battle with cancer. A Quick Rant About Cancer

Age of Radical Thinking With Heart And Soul

"I think a major act of leadership right now, call it a radical act, is to create the places and processes so people can actually learn together, using our experiences." ~Margaret J. Wheatley

We stand in the midst of radical social change because radical thinking servant leaders with the expertise and wisdom empowered with heart and soul are standing up, speaking out and leading others to learn and work together to create solutions only dreamed by prior generations.

A smart leader today is both a radical thinker and a servant. Because these are times when leaders are thinking like and learning from the likes of George Washington when he recognized that The People were declaring it was time for change.

Washington recognized the influence the pamphlet Common Sense by Thomas Paine was having on colonials, when he said, "I find Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of many men." And, John Adams wrote, “Without the pen of the author of Common Sense, the sword of Washington would have been raised in vain.”

Smart leaders are tuned to the needs and will of the People and find the ways to harness that energy into a direction for doing good and making big things happen. These leaders create the opportunities for people who want to participate in creating a better life for themselves and their progeny. It is clear that today, through social media People are writing, blogging and commenting on how they want to be a part of making changes in their local schools, communities and government. Smart leaders are hearing and answering these calls. 

These radical thinking leaders are accomplished with a deep passion to make a difference. Most will tell you they have been 'called' into that of a serving leader. Their eyes have been opened to see a need, which has become glued to their hearts so deeply that each beat resounds deeply into their soul with a compelling desire to experience individuals, families, businesses, agencies and communities being transformed. Any leader who chooses to be less than radical about serving those who work with them will soon find they have few, if any, followers. 

Who are these radically thinking servant leaders? 

Character: Their character is the cornerstone of who they are. Only those leaders who have had their character tested by fire, no longer smell like smoke and have developed the capacity to deal with uncertainty and manage change will thrive in today's rapidly changing environment.

Valued Relationships: You will know these leaders by how they speak about, respect and revere each relationship. They value their relationships not for what others can do for them, but for how blessed they feel for being associated and knowing people who inspire these radically thinking leaders to become better servant leaders.

Wisdom: Radically thinking leaders demonstrate their wisdom in the midst of chaos and change. Their agenda becomes to authentically serve the People. They actively listen with the intent to not seek compromise in the squall of diversity, but look for how that diversity empowers the process to reveal and release an entirely new possibility that is both inspiring and compelling for all involved.

Influence: Influence is not something one can just do. It is bestowed upon the leader in that a leader's quality of influence is recognized by the people who associate with the leader. Influence is the capstone of leadership, which clearly signals the vibrancy, stability and sustainability of the leader's cornerstone of character. Their character is revealed in the answers to these questions.

• Who are they in the quiet of their homes?
• What will their family and best friends truthfully say about them to others?
• What truths will be revealed when the leader is gone? 

Radically Big Thinking is relative to a leader's location, level of accomplishment, desire to make a difference and willingness to serve. A radically big thinking leader may be the one who leads others to stop the bullies in the schoolyard and workplace or those who lead profit or nonprofit organizations. No matter the place, time or numbers, the true test of a radically thinking leader will be recognized by the impact on the people involved. 

• Are people growing and developing? 
• Do they have a better life from being served? 
• Are they doing as has been done for them - are they now serving others?

This infographic is like a roadmap to encourage you to find where you are in the context of being a radically thinking servant leader and empower you to focus on the attitudes, behaviors and skills that form the character of an authentic servant leader.

Choose to be a radically thinking leader and only follow radically thinking leaders with good hearts and souls,

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

ZFactor blog explores and discusses a variety of techniques, tools and discoveries by successful people that will assist others to achieve greater personal and professional success. ZFactor is a proprietary coaching methodology based upon the premise that successful people think and act differently. The ZFactor methodology is proven to accelerate a person's ability to think and act differently.

Purpose-Driven vs Results-Driven Leadership

I have just launched a new Google+ Community on the topic of Servant Leadership. Please check it out. All are invited. This blog provides some background for the Community as to the tag line for the community 'Purpose-Driven Leadership'.

The xy graph below, which is called a ZMap, is an infographic that presents how two primary concepts, when viewed with a 'Both/And' thinking perspective will reveal and release new possibilities and untapped potential. The two concepts in the ZMap below are 'Leadership Competencies' and 'Servant-Focus'. This shows how a Purpose-Driven leader should strive to maintain both Leadership Competencies and Servant-Focus thoughts, at the same time. The ZMap can act like a 'one page book' for helping a leader think though all the various situations and challenges they face in their leadership role.

I have found when a ZMap is presented to someone, it provides a framework for a more engaging and synergistic conversation. Two or more people can quickly get on the same page and begin to create new alternatives. Likewise, for an individual, they will find themselves thinking through different scenarios and situations much differently than if they considered the two concepts to be separated from the other. 

Thinking things are separated is called 'Either/Or' thinking. This is when the individual says a leader can either be a results-driven leader or a purpose-driven leader. They cannot be both at the same time. The 'Either/Or' thinker severely limits new possibilities for personal and professional growth. Who do you know who thinks like this? Often their comments may sound like "it is either black or white. There is no gray or in between." 'Either/Or' statements and thinking can kill any chance for an innovative process to create new possibilities.

Take a moment to notice your thoughts. Which thinking style are you using? Also, notice in your next conversation with someone. Are they making 'Either/Or' or 'Both/And' comments?

Purpose-Driven versus Results-Driven Leadership

'Both/And' thinking is an essential skill for a purpose-driven leader. Yet, a leader without clarity as to their purpose is like a ship without a rudder and the ship is full of people for which the leader is responsible. Because the leader has no clear direction or purpose, they are prone to 'Either/Or' thinking. This is obviously not in the best interests of the people on the ship. The leader is likely to toss the person, who knows how to build a rudder, off the ship due to some emotional whim by the leader. 

A results-driven leader in most organizations can get by without a clear purpose based upon their performance, as long as things are going well. The moment things start to go wrong, which at some point something goes wrong, a leader without a purpose is only operating with half the ZMap, below. They have only their leadership skills and capabilities and they have limited capacity for dealing with change and uncertainty.

A leader without a clear purpose depends upon performance. You could say they are 'results-driven' instead of 'purpose-driven'. Without a purpose, this leader sits on a two-legged stool. It requires much more work by the leader to keep everything in balance. Thus, when something gets too heavy on one side, the leader and all topple over. You know this type of leader. As long as things are working well, it appears as if the leader can do it all. They amaze everyone with their skills of balancing on the two-legged stool and juggling a dozen balls. When this leader starts to topple, the ship sinks fast.

The purpose-driven leader can also be results-driven because they operate with the whole ZMap. They sit upon a four-legged chair. They have much more stability, flexibility and capacity to deal with all the uncertainty when things go wrong. They have the time to assess the situation and adapt by making appropriate changes in people and resources to deal with the challenges. The purpose-driven leader has both capabilities and the capacity. 

Over the past three years, during the economic crisis, we have seen many of each type of leader. I'll assert the leaders left standing had clarity about their purpose or they figured it out very quickly. And, the results-driven leaders are in recovery and hopefully they are figuring out how to become a purpose-driven leader.

Are You a Results-Driven or Purpose-Driven Leader?

Look at the ZMap and think about which quadrant best describes who you are and where you are in your leadership role. Think of this ZMap like a roadmap and this quick self-assessment helps you plot where you are. When you know where you are on a roadmap, it becomes much easier to start planning your journey to get to where you want to be.

You can use a ranking from 1 to 6, where '1' is you have just started developing and '6' is you are highly experienced and have mastered the quadrant. Rank yourself for each quadrant.

1. Practices and Disciplines: How consistent is your attitude,emotions and behaviors? Do these establish solid and highly productive habits for you?
2. People and Principles: How would you rank your ability to maintain a focus on the needs of others? Include in this rank your clarity for your personal core values and how consistent you model your values and principles in all your relationships. How often do your principles act as a guide or compass for your leadership decisions?
3. Process and Performance: Rank the consistency of the organization's processes and the sustainability of performance. Are processes clearly identified and defined such that they produce consistent, predictable results?
4. Purpose-Driven Leader: Rank the level of positive impact and influence you have on the growth and development of others and making a difference. Are people, the community and world better off because of your leadership? How well defined is your purpose or calling? How consistent do you model and express your purpose in your daily life and leadership practices?

Score:

• 4-8      Practices and Disciplines
• 9-12    People and Principles
• 13-20  Process and Performance
• 21-24  Purpose-Driven Leader

It makes no difference which quadrant you find yourself. Remember, it is like a roadmap. Knowing where you are makes it easy to set the course for the next part of your journey. The important thing is to be honest with yourself and be determined to make the changes to make yourself a better Purpose-Driven leader.

More information will be coming in future blogs and any feedback or comments are always welcomed.

The Purpose-Driven Leader ZMap:

This is just one of the ZMaps we have developed. We have hundreds of these, all tailored to specific roles, situations, companies, markets and industries. There are currently three books focused on professionals in Product Sales, Financial Advisory and Insurance sales. Other books are in development that use a similar ZMap process and methodology. You can click here to learn more about the books.

This blog is part of an upcoming book The Servant Leader Framework, which will be available March/April 2013.

Thank you for taking some of your valuable time to read and consider this blog.

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

I Say Merry Christmas, What Do You Say?

My amazing wife, Cindy, declared last week, she wants to be more engaging with people relative to the upcoming holiday season. Rather than just say, "Happy Holidays" she wants to be more engaging with people and get to know them better than just responding, "Happy Holidays to You."

You have to know Cindy to understand the way she thinks about other people. First, she really cares about other people and she has a quality about herself that when others are around her, they just love Cindy.

Cindy says to me, "Instead of waiting for others to say, Happy Holidays, I'm going to say - I say +Merry Christmas, what do you say?" Her reasoning is pretty simple. She wants others to know she values being a Christian and does not want to water down her belief because of some political correctness. And, most importantly she wants others to feel comfortable in expressing their personal values, as well. It's about honoring other people and the result is you get to know a little more about them.

With a little thought about this on my part - we live in a vibrant, highly mobile, multi-cultural society. If we truly want world peace for our progeny, we need to be responsible for understanding and getting to know who other people are. If I just say, "Merry Christmas" without offering the option to others to express their belief, I can sound rude and politically incorrect. That behavior does not represent the love of Christ nor does it open the door for any further engaging conversations. If I merely say, "Happy Holidays" that is not expressing who I am. This is obviously the quandary many of us have experienced in these politically correct decades, but then if you know Cindy like I know Cindy, you too will take pause and ponder upon what she says - and, consider what you will say.

So, I tried out Cindy's saying and surprisingly it opened up some interesting discussions that would have never happen if I had blindly said, "Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays." After a couple of times I began to realize that it really is about relationship and honoring the relationships we have with others, especially with those we have just met or know professionally. Yep, I now have to admit to my wife, I'm a little slow and for the first time ever - she has thought of something before me. (and if you believe that, well, I can find the perfect coach for you.)

The responses to me saying, "I say Merry Christmas, what do you say" have typically been a chuckle and then they say, "Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays" and we all go on our merry way. A couple of the responses have been a chuckle and they say, "I'm Jewish and I say Happy Hanukkah." I respond, "Happy Hanukkah." It's about honoring who people are, getting to know them a little better, and since I'm a Christian - being more like Christ.

No matter your background, religion or race, 'tis the season to take a moment and be more loving with others. As I understand it, Jesus was born into a Jewish family and a group of Magi (from Persia - some might say pre-Muslim) came to visit him and present him gifts upon his birth. And, those gifts provided safe passage for Jesus and family to escape the slaughter of the children by King Herod. I'm figuring God has a plan and, in his infinite wisdom, He is giving us time to figure it out.

Be kind and loving to others who think and act differently than you,

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

How Do You Become a Thought-Leader?

Below is the response I gave to a the question "How do you become a thought-leader?" on the IBM Mid-Size Business Discussion Board. Check out some of the other answers after reading my response - thanks!

I did the Wordle because I figured all the key words would make a cool Wordle. What do you think? click here to go to my wordle. Feel welcome to copy my response and make your own Wordle.

My response to the question:   

Thought-leaders have the heart of a disruptive innovator with the abilities to listen, observe and process large amounts of information. They leverage a personal thinking strategy to organize and focus their thoughts into a cohesive communication that creates value for others.

They have deep understanding of the subject matter, which has been gained by direct, personal experience with an intense curiosity to know what they don't know. They are driven by the opportunity to reveal new possibilities to help others think differently about who they are and what they do. They have the hope that untapped potential gets revealed and released to make a difference in ways far beyond even the thought-leader's imaginings.

The most authentic thought-leaders are those who don't even know of the lives and situations transformed because the thought-leader is just doing what they love to do - think and act differently. --end of my response...

ZFactor Group is committed to helping thought-leaders, experts and influencers to publish their works in a manner that creates significant value for others and helps our authors build their legacy. Download our ZFactor Author Process.

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing