“Allow the way to your great work to be guided by your service to others.” – Mollie Marti
Recently, I had the privilege and honor of attending the Georgetown McDonough School of Business graduation for Taylor Johnson. In addition to her academic achievements, Taylor stands out for her character and the relationships she has cultivated with her dear friends.
I was very pleased to hear the graduation speeches, as they were totally focused on service to others. One of Georgetown’s primary goals as a Jesuit University is the formation of the students to become women and men who live a life of service to others. The Jesuits wanted to impart this goal one last time upon the graduating students.
In fact, one professor mentioned he often receives calls from former students, who tend to be in their fifth or sixth year of working in the investment business on Wall Street, wanting to talk because they do not feel nourished or fulfilled.
The professor reminds them, “Nourishment does not result from 12 or more hours at one’s desk or from making a lot of money. No, nourishment comes from giving back and serving others.”
This is so true for us as managers. It’s not about us, it’s about the team!
It’s our commitment to the learning, growth and success of others!
I absolutely believe that servant leadership will be the most effective means of leadership in the future. Most of the women and men in our workforces going forward will be more inclined to follow us if we demonstrate that we genuinely care about them and their success. They are more motivated when we ask helpful questions, consciously listen to understand and learn from them, and when they know we are committed to their success.
Our humility and kindness matter, matter greatly!
The Jesuit charge to the students also inspired me. Our success goes beyond doing well ourselves. It comes from our encouraging and helping others to learn, grow and succeed. And we are fulfilled when we serve our communities.
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington
