subject: Becoming an Entrepreneur - Servant Leadership [print this page] So, you're thinking of becoming an entrepreneur! That's great! Tired of working long hours for someone else that doesn't value you or your hard work? Looking for more time with the family? Want to make your own hours? Are you sick of the politics? Do you feel like you're not getting anywhere? Are you making less money and working more hours than you were five years ago? Do you see any chance of things changing any time in the near future?
It seems to me that the attitude of the world has become very selfish and self centered. It's all about me, me, me, and how much and what do I need to do to win. Look what has become of the world in recent years with that prevailing attitude. Massive greed has catapulted the U.S. and many other countries into a recession that lingers, with many people out of work, and a housing market that is just abysmal. This is not the type of leadership that will bring personal success.
Leadership is one of the most rewarding parts of becoming an entrepreneur. Servant leadership is based on core values and actions taken for the betterment of the ones you serve. The goal is to help those that you are serving to grow. Integrity, trust, honesty, fairness are all core values that embody servant leadership. In order to provide this service to others as an entrepreneur you must first be sure of whom you are and that you want to serve. Success on many levels is achieved through servant leadership. As an entrepreneur you have the opportunity to lead and serve others.
Instead of it being all about you, change your attitude to one of helping those that you serve. Caring about your clients or other business associates not only on a business level but on a personal level develops trust. Robert Greenleaf has said, "Trust is first. Nothing will move until trust is firm." This is true in life and in business. Develop trust with those that you interact with and then your business will thrive. Care about their needs and wants. In the servant leader, serving comes first.
Financial success will come when people realize that your philosophy is one of caring and serving others. You will be appreciated and loved for your service. You will be seen as a leader. Others will see you as a person they want to follow because you see clearly where you want to go and who you want to be. This clarity will not only bring you personal success and peace, but financial successes as more and more people begin to follow you.
How do you win as a servant leader? You win by watching those that you serve achieve the success they deserve under your tutelage. As they grow and learn, you grow and learn. Their success is your success. The more people that see that success, the more will want to follow. The more that follow brings more personal and financial success to you. Servant leadership is in the spirit of caring and helping others.
Servant leadership is an expression of your being. It is who you are. You do it because it is the right and good thing to do. Give from your heart. This is not to be confused with doing it because you expect something back. Do the right thing and help others because you care. The universe will respond to your service.
You are in a unique position to serve and lead others when becoming an entrepreneur. Know that it will not always be a smooth ride and respond in a caring way. Know that there will be challenges to overcome but stay the course. Know your core values and who you want to be. Know that you will be rewarded many times over by helping in other people's success.
