Category Archives: Servant

Freedom & Sacrifice Leadership

03 Monday Jul 2017

Posted by in Freedom, Heroes, Leadership, Sacrifice, Servant

≈ Leave a comment

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each Airman, Marine, Soldier, Sailor, and Coast Guardsman who died protecting it.” – Unkown

058161_355e798968d542f08bce2a6b491118f9

I’ve been pondering the idea of sacrifice lately and how it relates to all that we do.  For the most part, I do not believe we sacrifice as much as we think.  With modern conviences and the pursuit of instant gratification, we have, for the most part, put aside the concept of sacrifice.

We all know someone now or in the past when it comes to sacrifice.  To what degree was their sacrifice?  We will really never know.

First, let me say thank you to everyone who is wearing or has ever worn a uniform for our freedom.  Typed words on a page of paper can never actually show the value of what each of you have done.  Your sacrifice goes beyond any words…

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, a look at history can tell us a lot about freedom and sacrifice leadership.

Sacrifice is about giving, not taking.  Often times our sacrifice is determined not by how much we give, but by how much we hold on to.  It is very hard to give anything with a closed hand and heart.

As you think about our American history, everyone who fought for freedom gave all they had.  They did not hold on to anything.  Freedom fighters have always put everything they had on the line.  They sacrificed it all, many with their lives.

Freedom and sacrifice leadership is not an empty ideal.  It is about the good of others. 

Freedom and sacrifice leadership is the very essence of servant leadership.  Servant leaders give of themselves and are worth following.  They are defined by both their values and their behaviors.

As we celebrate our freedom, let’s remember the sacrifice many gave and continue to give for us to practice our leadership today.  It is very humbling.

Remember…  THINK LEADERSHIP

©2017  J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/thebookchamber

Subscribe via email to my blog at the top of the page.

 

 

 

 

 

Designated Survivor Leadership

21 Wednesday Jun 2017

Posted by in Actions, Attitude, Humility, Integrity, Leader, Leadership, Purpose, Servant

≈ Leave a comment

“When you have to make a hard decision; flip a coin. Why? Because when the coin is in the air, you suddenly know what you are hoping for.” – Unknown

First of all, let me say that I am a big fan of ABC’s show Designated Survivor starring Kiefer Sutherland. Designated Survivor is what you should be watching if you are looking for a show that embodies almost every different style of leadership.  It offers the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of leadership.

designatedsurvivor2

While watching one evening, a segment really caught my attention. In episode 4, of season 1, the Press Secretary, Seth Wright, played by Kal Penn, made this statement in a speech:

“We live in a time in which we are called to serve in ways we did not anticipate.  None of us are perfect but we do our best because this house is worthy of our best.  We trust our instincts as we fight our daily fights.  Some we will win, some we will not, and some we will know only in time.  But we leave each night, hopeful that our daily sacrifices have been worth it and our instincts have not lead us astray and that our best has been good enough.”

As I listened and then hit the rewind button, I thought to myself… WOW! That’s exactly what we should do as leaders.

In the speech, the “house” refers the White House, but what if we change the wording to where we are? What is our “house”? We could change “house” to our own house, our family, our teams, our schools or anything else that is worth fighting for.

As we continue to lead, let’s fight for what is right and be true to our values. I cannot think of two better leadership concepts that will help you throughout the rest of your life.

So… What type of leader are you of your “house”?  Who is better to decide, you the leader or the people who follow you?  Would you say there would be different viewpoint from each?

Most of the time we have a much higher, biased opinion of ourselves then what is really true. Our followers do not always determine our leadership quality but it can be a pretty good sign of reality.

Be the leader people want to follow for the right reasons.  When it becomes more about you then them, we really are not leading anymore.  As you watch the role of Kiefer Sutherland as President Tom Kirkman, I believe you will find servant leadership at it’s best.

Be a Designated Survivor Leader.  Sometimes you will be the only one left who is holding on to what is right and true. Most of all, lead and fight for what is right. 

Remember…  THINK LEADERSHIP

©2017  J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/thebookchamber
Subscribe via email to my blog at the top of the page.

Are You Ready?

19 Friday May 2017

Posted by in Humility, Leader, Leadership, Servant

≈ Leave a comment

“Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.” – Andy Stanley

 

Are You Ready - 3D Words

Are you ready?

Ready for what?

Leadership.

I don’t know… What makes a leader?

I’m sure everyone can come up with his or her ideas for an answer to this question. But… are our ideas formed from what society thinks or from what you think? I believe that success can be equated with leadership but at what expense? Here is a thought, just because people follow you does not make you are a leader. A “leader” is so much more than directing where others should go and what they should do. Can we be a leader that puts off the “self” and puts on the “others” mentality? Leadership is sometimes hard to define but very easily recognized. The hardest question to answer is the one we have to ask ourselves, “Am I a good leader?” We can lie to ourselves but those who follow us know the truth.

As we continue to lead, the challenge is to have a more servant leader mindset. It must be about others. And at the end, everyone around will breathe a little easier.

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP

© 2017  J Clay Norton

Follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/thebookchamber

Subscribe via email to my blog at the top of the page

Andy Griffith Leadership

15 Monday May 2017

Posted by in Leadership, Power, Servant, Understanding

≈ Leave a comment

“I firmly believe that in every situation, no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than the hardship, and strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than where we were before.” – Andy Griffith

164266-004-A89C8AF7

What comes to your mind when you think of The Andy Griffith Show? Can you see leadership? I can. I like to look at the contrast between Andy and Barney. I believe Andy has the earned power of leadership and Barney was given authority leadership. There is a huge difference between the two. I believe Andy was a leader who commanded leadership with presence. As you watch the episodes, you can see this interaction with all the cast and how they respond to Andy and Barney given different situations, especially when Andy is out of town.

The Andy Griffith Show is one that has stood the test of time. I don’t believe you can find a better program that offers life lessons with a mix of humility and greatness for the common good of everyone. Andy has many great leadership qualities, but I believe his two greatest is he serves, and he understands people. Sounds like servant leadership to me. What can we do to have an “Andy Griffith” type of leadership style?

In this YouTube clip, watch as Barney talks about the leadership of Andy. A lot of lessons we can still practice today. Hope you enjoy.

Remember…  THINK LEADERSHIP

© 2017 J Clay Norton
Follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/thebookchamber
Subscribe via email to my blog at the top of the page.