Leadership, Effort and Motives - One Drop of Water

"One drop of water helps to swell the ocean; a spark of fire helps to give light to the world. None are too small, too feeble, too poor to be of service. Think of this and act." - Hannah More

So often, we evaluate the results before taking the action. We project an expected result and chose our effort.  Does your effort determine the result or does the expected result determine your effort?  How many times have you chosen not to act because you didn't perceive a benefit?

It's alright to judge the benefit received from an action.  We all do.  It's part of the value principle. Each person chooses whether or not something is valuable by comparing the cost (effort, resources, time, etc.) to the return.  But when that judgment causes us to fail to provide benefit to others, we immediately reduce our own legacy.  You see, you will be measured by what you contribute over what you consumed.  Your contribution will always be judged by others.  Did you produce more than you consumed?  Did you take up space on earth during your time here or did you create space for others during that time?  Did you create more than you consumed?

Last week I met and heard Jeremie Kubicek, Founder and CEO of Giant Impact and author of Leadership Is Dead.  He talked about how leadership changes when the leader changes their motive.  As a leader, are you trying to get something from your people or your customers, or are you trying to do something for them?  Don't let "What's in it for me?" cap your contribution or determine your legacy.

Live today remembering this quote. One drop of water swells the ocean.  Your extra effort creates value for the people in your sphere of influence.  You make your community a better place to live.  You make your workplace more profitable, enjoyable and gracious when you go above and beyond the call.  Your spark helps light your world.  Everyone can be "of service.  Think of this and act" today!