Three Minute Leadership: Extraordinary Success = A Daring Destination + Servant Leadership
To: The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning
Jonathan Maze, reporting on the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference 2015, captures Cheryl Bachelder’s, CEO of Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen Inc., thoughts on how servant leadership can yield success. Bachelder, he writes, believes that there are traditionally two types of leaders: “Those who focus on advancing themselves and those who focus primarily on serving their employees and customers.” The best leaders, however, are those who combine the best of both: “They set a ‘daring destination’ and focus on results, much like the self-focused leaders — but along the way they are humble enough to serve others on the way to that destination.”
“If we want to be leaders that have a positive impact, we simply must deliver superior performance…. People can’t be served without positive results…. Servant leadership can’t be credible without performance…. The leader has to give confidence that the destination can be reached, but humble enough to know that they don’t control the outcomes.”
Bachelder believes that that this style of leadership “requires immense courage and yet a pretty humble soul at the same time.” Her concluding remarks captures her passion and belief in the great leader’s servant leadership: “When you think about the meaning and purpose of your life, the only legacy you have to leave on this Earth is in the memory of the people whose lives you have touched.”
May the “daring destination” that you have chosen for your life be the inspiration for others to achieve theirs. In all that you do, may you serve them with love and caring that they, too, will be more than they ever dreamed they could be… and more… so much more. May this be one among the many of your magnificent legacies. As Helen Keller reminds us: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Make your life a daring and exciting adventure. Life is so very, very good. Please take care.
Have a beautiful and wondrous day and a magnificent week!!!
Mike
