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

A Quick Rant About Cancer

CANCER SUCKS! Literally, it sucks the life out of good people who do good for others. The many thoughts and emotions make it difficult to put into a single blog all that encompasses the extent of the uncertainty, the waiting, hurt, pain, anger, heartache, hope, faith, compassion, grace, mercy and love constantly in motion around a cancer victim, family, friends, healthcare providers and community.

Over the past few years, the list of those, in my personal life, with cancer gets longer. I'm sure you have a similar list and most likely even longer.

• Wife is a 4+ year survivor;
• Mother-in-Law just passed away from an aggressive cancer;
• 2 cousin-in-laws are survivors;
• Several cousins are survivors and a few deaths (big family);
• 2 uncle-in-laws passed away due to cancer;
• A few close friends are survivors and others have died;
• Numerous friends, business associates, extended family and friends of friends have similar experiences; and,
• The list gets longer by the day with the emails and calls to ask for prayers.

That's Life

It is easy to say, "That's life," and go on about one's day. We all know the death card has already been dealt. It's just a matter of time before it gets played. It's easy to remain above the fray and differentiate one's self from the process. There is the thought and hope this too shall pass. Sure, the game ends for one, but another game begins for someone else.

That's life and death, but who will you be in the midst of the game? Are you a fan, the announcer, facility staff, team, support staff, coach or star player? I've been all but the star player - thank you, God. 

Made Me A Better Man

Early in life, I stayed above the fray. With age and being active in meeting lots of people, illness and death on a chart begins to look like a hockey stick based upon number of people to years.

As this insidious cancer crept ever closer into the lives of close friends, family, then my wife and now Mother-in-Law; I chose to hurl myself into the game in ways I never imagined. 

The hurt, pain, tears and love are like waves approaching the shore. The waves never stop - some are ripples and others are tsunamis. I call these emowaves. Some wash over you from a brief memory and others roll you over and over like a tsunami. Bottom line - like the hockey stick - the people I know with cancer and have died because of cancer have made me a better man.

Not because of the cancer, but truly experiencing the light they are in the world and to those they care for and love. May I continually strive to put into words the greatness of those I have had the opportunity to know. This Mandela quote provides a bit of insight into the life lived by my Mother-in-law.

"As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously

give other people permission to do the same." 

                                          ~Nelson Mandela

Dedicated to JoJo, who lived life big and love for all, 

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

Graduation - The Future Of Leadership Is Back

"Can you be the change you want to see in the world?"

~Mahatma Gandhi

Thank God for graduations. This is one of those seasons of life when we catch a glimpse of the future. Young men and women celebrating their achievements with family and friends and commencement addresses compel graduates to look into their future with faith, hope, love and dreams. Deepak Chopra has one of the more poignant addresses for 2013. (link below)

With heightened emotions, all are building expectations for the future with recently acquired knowledge that pales in comparison to the development of one's character and personal values empowered by faith, hope, love and dreams. These are the essential elements of being a sustainable leader. Gaining the knowledge, tested time and again, has resulted in a diploma that has become the cornerstone of one's future.

Everyone's diploma says all have learned the basics. There may be some minor differences in grade point averages, but what becomes more and more critically important to propel one forward into their desired future...

The World According To Our Children - Future Servant Leaders

This poem was originally written in 1996. My sons were 6 and 3. I had been on the internet for over a year. By 1996, the potential for the internet was being discussed and envisioned. While the realities of today are so very different than 1996, the essence of the hopes and dreams of many early internet users, I believe is just beginning to be realized.

Daily, I am reminded how the human condition remains much the same as it did before the proliferation of the internet across the planet. Human behaviors, desires and motivations are the same. The question to be asked is how will the internet continue to be leveraged for improving the impoverished human condition across the planet and in your own local community? Seeds of this potential are being revealed and witnessed today. What are you doing to release this potential to make a difference and leave your lasting legacy?

Will our children value and revere our leadership as we value and revere those leaders who have gone before us?

Are you an inspiration and encouragement for modeling servant leadership and motivating our children to be authentic servant leaders to achieve and exceed the dreams and visions of all humanity?

Just a few thoughts to add to your day.

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

The World According To Our Children

© Alan W. Goldsberry (1996)

Through our children’s journey

     of their birth,
We witness the awesome power of life.

Through our children's voice,
     we hear the world's
Melodic, angelic symphony.

Through our children's touch
     we feel the
Miracle and magic of life.

Through our children's eyes,
     the world's illusions are
Unveiled - the reality difficult to ignore.

Through our children's senses,
     the sights, sounds and fragrance of
Nature's wonders halt the chaos.

Through our children's questions,
     our answers, filtered by their innocence,
Unmask our charades.

Through our children's minds,
     life's simple things
Are filled with awe and wonder.

Through our children's struggle
     to understand,
We desire the world to be a better place.

Through our children's accomplishments,
     we anticipate
Their contribution to humanity.

Through our children's laughter,
     we rejoice and bless
All that makes them unique.

Through our children's heart,
     love and peace for all humankind
Becomes a possibility.

Through our children's soul,
     the Spirit of God provides a
Glimpse of the way life is meant to be.

God, give me the wisdom and strength to
     respect and revere the children that exist around me
And, always remember the child within.

What You Think Determines Your Legacy. Where Are You?

You are here. Welcome. Not to be flippant with you, but you are here, right now. Thank you for being here and taking some of your valuable time. I promise to create some value for you.

What are you thinking and saying to yourself, right now? What will you be thinking, saying and doing when you finish reading this? Will you stop reading here and go on about your day or will you take another few moments that will make a difference for you and your legacy?

60,000 Thoughts a Day

You have 60,000 thoughts a day. What percentage are positive and what percentage negative? How many of those thoughts are focused on where you are and who you are being now? 

How will you spend your day? What will be your dominant thoughts and actions throughout the day? At any moment, you can take a breath and check in on your thoughts and what you are saying to others. And, you can choose to make appropriate changes that work for you and others around you.

You are what you think. What you think influences what you do and what you do determines where you are. On a scale of 1 to 10 how does where you are now represent where you want to be and ultimately your legacy? 10 being you are definitely in your sweet spot.

Thinking is a Skill - Needs to be Developed

This is not rocket science, nor is it some new age mumbo jumbo. Thinking is a skill to be learned and developed. How would you rate your ability to think about what you want to think about? How often does someone's statement or some comment on TV make you react with a statement that just flies out of your mouth like someone pushed the Play button on a video? 

3 - 3 - 3

Before you speak think 333.

1. Count to three (3).
2. Have you said what you are going to say three (3) times or more?
3. Will what you say make a difference three (3) minutes from now, three weeks, three months, three hundred years...?

Take the next few moments and notice how many of your thoughts are influenced by some external stimulus. If the majority of your thoughts and what you say are stimulated by external sources, you have not developed your most valuable asset - your thinking skills.

Think of a time when you intentionally shifted your thinking from negative to positive. Learning to shift your thinking from inside is not only a good skill to develop, it is the most essential skill necessary for achieving your goals and ultimately leaving a legacy that makes a difference.

Thought + Action = Result

If you want to know your past thoughts and actions, simply assess where you are now, your results. If you want to change your future results, change the way you think and the actions you take. What thoughts and actions will give you the results you want? 

It really is this simple and it takes real intention and work to make it happen.

What you think will determine your legacy.

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

Authentic Legacy - Zig Ziglar

A few of my favorite +Zig Ziglar quotes in celebration of his life, legend and legacy.

• "Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine your altitude."
• "Every choice you make has an end result."
• "If you treat your wife like a thoroughbred, you'll never end up with a nag."
• "If God would have wanted us to live in a permissive society He would have given us Ten Suggestions and not Ten Commandments."
• "It's not what you've got, it's what you use that makes a difference."

Prayers and blessings to the Ziglar family and to all Zig Fans. I am a better man, husband, father, businessman, salesman and leader because of Zig Ziglar and a few other book mentors I discovered early in life and at the beginning of my business career. Zig has joined Og Mandino, Dale Carnegie, W. Clement Stone, Napoleon Hill and Earl Nightengale for a major God Special Universe Tour.

Thank you, Mr. Ziglar (Zig) for the legacy you have created that will make a difference for generations to come. Thank you for showing us all the way.

"...it's what you use that makes a difference."

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

Legacy "To Infinity and Beyond!"

You gotta love the attitude of Buzz Lightyear, an animated robot, obviously without any means of propulsion, yet believes he can fly "to infinity and beyond." This is one of my favorite quotes of which I have many favorite quotes. Sticking with the cartoon theme, I especially like the final cartoon strip of 'Calvin and Hobbes' when Calvin says, "It's a magical world, Hobbes ol' buddy. Let's go exploring!" 

These type of quotes inspire people who seek to live life large and leave a meaningful legacy. I believe these quotes clearly demonstrate how an authentic servant-leader remains focused on the here-and-now with an internal drive to make a difference. Their day-to-day actions to meet people where they are, believe in the magic and mystery of life and love; and serve them in all the ways they can, as long as they can - yet, the infinity of their impact on the lives and situations of others happens long after their deaths. Now that is a meaningful legacy.

My wife, Cindy, and I took a weekend trip with her parents to the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. It was the perfect Chamber of Commerce weather for strolling along the River Walk, people watching, a little shopping and fine dining. 

As we strolled along we came upon the local Salvation Army band performing at the Arneson Theater along with a men's choir from Houston. This is a unique theater where the audience sits in an amphitheater on one side of the river with the stage on the other side. The band and choir were performing the classic Christian gospel songs and the crowd was toe tapping, hand clapping and children dancing. 

As I scanned the crowd, the love for people and the joy of service exuded from each member of the Salvation Army, as they expressed their love of Christ through their actions, as opposed to words.  As I observed each uniformed member, I envisioned I was watching the Founders of the Salvation Army in action. The lives of William and Catherine Booth are the epitome of servant-leaders captured by an inspiring moment and putting their faith to work to serve others.

Almost 150 years from the founding of the Salvation Army, it is clear how the simple, God inspired lives of the Booths have achieved "to infinity and beyond." I am struck by the magnitude of how one couple's faith-in-action has changed lives and communities, time and again through the lives of millions. Now, that is what makes this planet a truly magical world. People choosing to love and serve others. This is just another experience that confirms my perspective that I've witnessed infinity once again - and this time on the River Walk. Makes me pause and be really curious about what is beyond.

Live the magic of life,

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

How Will Your Legacy Make a Difference?

Who or what life experience made a significant difference for you? Maybe it is someone you know, a parent, teacher, minister, friend, mentor or someone you have read about or it could be a crucible life event. 

• What has been your process to deeply examine how this person or event has impacted your life? 
• How does this experience compel you to think about, seek out and act upon what you sense being called to do?
• With whom do you associate and what are your activities?
• Where are you serving others and what joy does this bring to your life?

These are just a few of the questions to answer on this journey toward the discovery and bringing forth your legacy. In a recent discussion with a young friend on this topic, they declared how they know their destiny, but that could be fifty or more years away. I encouraged them to begin living that legacy today. By doing so, I suspect their legacy will become much more than they ever imagined and impact many thousands more than ever hoped.

How will your legacy make a difference? What are the possibilities? Dreaming required.

Blessings to you for your journey and the difference it will make for those you may never know,

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing