Servant Leadership

Through a different lens

My wife and teenager were away for an evening which left me the opportunity to plan an appropriate activity with my three little girls, Joey’s Angels! I love impromptu planning. I decided I was going to take them to the new movie Dolphin Tale. The movie was playing in two theaters. Because I had to pick up my middle girl from a birthday party, we had to choose the later showing that was playing at 7:05 p.m. We entered the building, paid the obscene ticket price, and as we were walking away from the cashier the greeter said, “Oh, don’t forget your 3D glasses.” 3D? I thought. Cool! I was hoping my youngest would tolerate watching the movie with the ‘50s-style, black-rimmed glasses. I took a picture of the girls in the theater and sent it to Danica. It was a really cute sight.

The movie was touching and I recommend it, but what I really wish to share with you is the actual 3D experience. If you’ve never seen a 3D movie, the picture itself looks quite blurry if you are not wearing the special glasses. However once you put on the glasses and peer through the lenses, the picture appears vibrant and rich. This is the perfect analogy for how we view people. When we come across people who are not like us, we immediately begin to point out what is wrong with them because they “appear blurry.” It’s no different than if you had entered that movie not knowing it was 3D. If you had no previous experiences with 3D technology, you would jump to the conclusion that something is wrong with the projector or the film. I have developed the About Me Card program to remove the blur by offering what is in effect a pair of 3D glasses for viewing people for who they are and not the blurry, skewed view based on our past experiences and biases. Servant Leadership is getting out of your own way, stepping outside of yourself to serve and understand others.

There are a lot of perks that come with understanding people better. Would you believe it if I told you that my stress level has gone way down? Would you believe it if I told you my blood pressure has dropped? The anxiety of misinterpreting people is exhausting and bad for your health. I don’t waste my time anymore. I’ve replaced judgment with curiosity. Oh, I slip back to my old self once in a while, but I’m getting better. I encourage you to step out of yourself for awhile and view people through a different lens. It can help you, and you’ll love it!

Joe Kiedinger

It takes great leaders to help us raise our kids!

My son, Alex, recently started his first job as a bagger at Festival Foods. His leader, Mary Kay, just held a three-month review on his performance. When Alex told me he had a three-month review, I thought, Already?  His review lasted about 15 minutes and afterward he found me in the store doing some shopping. He had a smile that said “CONFIDENCE.” I asked him how it went. He said, “I’m a rock star!” and then gave me a broad smile. Later he told me how Mary Kay pointed out specific things he was doing right. She even gave examples from other leaders who noticed positive behavior. After building Alex up, she asked him a very powerful question: “What can I do to help make your employment here more enjoyable?”

This gave Alex an open door to share with Mary Kay how he likes variety and would be interested in learning how to be a cart runner and to be able to do both duties for a healthy variety. Mary Kay said, “I can do that.” She also asked him, “Where do you see where you can improve?” Alex shared his thoughts and Mary Kay made him feel that it was OK to make mistakes as long as we learn from them. I’ve been telling him that for years, but it took Mary Kay to remind him as his leader and direct him on how to improve for it to sink in.

Thank you to all leaders like Mary Kay who not only take the time to coach but take the time to listen. The leaders who have the guts to ask the most powerful Servant Leadership question, “What is it that I can do to help you?” Parents like me are depending on you to join our village and help our teenagers transition into becoming responsible adults.

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Seek the feedback you need to help others you care about!

An Inspiring Story!

Tim was a young man who had just started his first real management job at a large electrical contractor in the greater Milwaukee area. Tim had never heard of Servant Leadership as a movement or a practice. Up until this first management assignment, he had been working for other companies and had been married for six years. He married young and he and his wife had two small children and a great relationship. Tim always came to work optimistic and could always see through obstacles as they came his way. The president of the company decided to spend some time with his young manager and began to teach him the philosophies and practices of Servant Leadership.

The president explained that if Tim wanted to lead, he first must serve. Tim’s leadership would not be evaluated by what HE got done, but by what he got done through others. The wise leader went on, “You first must understand yourself, then you must understand and serve one other person, and then you must understand and serve a group!”

  Knowing that Tim had a young family, the president suggested he start by understanding and serving his wife. “Oh,” said Tim, “I’ve been serving her since the day we said, ‘I do.’ “ 

  “How do you serve her?” the president asked.

 “We’ve been married for six years and for six years I’ve kept a journal,” Tim replied. “Everyday I try to find some way to serve my wife. Unexpected flowers. Clean a room, the house or her car. Get up with the crying babies. I only count the service if it’s something she normally does or is responsible for.”

The president’s jaw dropped. The teacher had become the student.

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN:  Join us next week Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 3-5 p.m. at The Marq, 3177 French Road, De Pere, to learn about Servant Leadership. Robert Chapman, CEO and chairman of Barry-Wehmiller, will make a presentation about the company’s commitment to people-centric leadership, continuous improvement and disciplined growth that has helped transform it into a well-balanced and financially solid organization. Those interested in attending should RSVP (seating is limited) by contacting me with the number of attendees at joek@prophitmarketing.com

Do you know enough to care and care enough to know?

Corporate culture drives results. Improve the culture and you WILL improve the results. It’s why so many companies are investing in and evaluating their corporate culture. Beginning a culture change or shift is a senior leadership thing, not an HR thing. HR can assist and guide; however, the leadership team must be on the same page to ensure that the desired results from a shift or a change are achieved. When it comes to instilling Servant Leadership in your culture, you’ll want to focus on individuals along with results. Building a culture of accountability requires having measures in place to ensure that responsibilities are being met by each individual.

Building trust with your team is crucial for people to feel confident in making decisions and taking ownership of their individual responsibilities. This is a core element of Servant Leadership, and it begins with a simple understanding. First understand yourself, how you come across to others, and how people may perceive you. Then focus on understanding another person and then understanding a group. When you understand the beliefs and motivations of a team, real understanding can be created which leads to trust.

If the idea of a Servant Culture resonates with you, I invite you to become part of a movement we are starting that is growing across the state. Join Servant Leaders of Wisconsin, Fox River Valley Group, for our free quarterly meetings. On September 21st, Robert Chapman, CEO and chairman of Barry-Wehmiller, will share his people-centric philosophy that he and his team have replicated over and over in the dozens of companies they own across the world. Come to be inspired and meet like-minded people, and we’ll help you get started on your Servant Leadership journey.

E-mail me at joek@prophitmarketing.com to reserve your spot. Space is limited so please let me know how many will be attending. Meredith will send you more information on the event if you’re interested.

Change your culture, change your results!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Join us September 21st from 3-5 p.m. at The Marq. R.S.V.P. is appreciated.

Daddy Day Camp – Creating a Memory

I have become more and more aware of how people are feeling as I continue on the journey of Servant Leadership. A couple of weeks ago, my girls got up early all excited to go to their first day of Day Camp. The bus picks them up at 7:45 a.m., and then they head off into the wilderness and return home by five. Their hair was braided back, their backpacks and lunch boxes were ready, and then came the call. I answered it and was told, “Due to the storm last night, camp is closed for cleanup and will resume tomorrow.”

 My girls were devastated. As is the routine every morning, I grabbed Maggie, our dog, and set off for her morning walk. Usually on my walk, I think about the meetings I have scheduled and everything that I wish to accomplish for the day. I decided to think about my girls and wondered, “How can I serve them and create something they’ll never forget?” I started planning a new itinerary and began to giggle inside.

 I walked into the house and announced, “Girls, grab your lunches and all your stuff. Today is Daddy Day Camp!” Danica looked at me with a curious grin. “Really?” she said. I nodded and said, “Girls, today we will begin with a pancake breakfast followed by crafts at the office for one hour (I had an hour meeting). We will then have a short music session (I let them play on the piano in my office during a short second meeting). After music it’s off to Festival where you will practice Servant Leadership by writing a letter to your mom on the three ways you appreciate her (during my last meeting of the morning). We will then head off to the public swimming pool and water slides for the afternoon where we will also have a picnic lunch. I will then bring you home for tennis lessons (I then headed out for my last meeting of the day).”

 Daddy Day Camp was a HUGE success. I’ll never forget it and neither will they. Always find a way to serve. It will do more for you than it will for them!

 Joe Kiedinger

 ACTION PLAN: Be Creative! There’s always a way!

Throne the Customer!

A couple of weeks ago while getting a tour of Zappos (the online shoe and clothing company), Danica and I were placed on a throne in full glory! Oh, don’t worry. It’s nothing we did; they just treat everyone that way! Imagine if your company did that? I know I imagine what it would be like if my company did the same. Why does it seem so impossible? Why are companies like Zappos so rare?

 What if I told you it wasn’t that hard? What if I told you it consisted of a few key elements that any company could implement? Would you? The concepts are really simple. I’m working at getting better myself! Here they are… Servant Leadership companies are 30% more profitable than their competitors. Here is the vision for getting started with this at your company.

 1)      Owners have Core Values that are tested against daily behavior.

2)      Owners have created a clear and concise Vision that can be measured.

3)      Employees are treated as owners who are trusted and held accountable to the vision and values of the company.

4)      Owners inspect what they expect by testing employees’ daily behavior to the values of the company and create supporting systems of checks and balances.

5)      Owners reward behavior that promotes Core Values and they celebrate victories along the way.

There you go! I’m perfecting the magic we have going on at Prophit. To create anything of meaning there must be a purpose and a vision. Start by creating an actionable vision statement. The important thing is to get started!

 Joe Kiedinger

 ACTION PLAN: Create your long-term vision and purpose. Why are you here?

My time with Arianna Huffington!

Have you heard of Arianna Huffington? She is a master of using social media. She started an American news content aggregating website in 2005 and sold it to AOL in February of 2011 for $315 million! Not bad! OK, so I led you into thinking I interviewed Arianna with my title for this Wisdom. She actually spoke at a conference I attended. She is a fascinating woman, very funny and very insightful. I would like to share with you some powerful wisdom that she shared with me.

Arianna spoke mostly about engagement. People today want to be understood and heard. It’s so easy to be heard … start a blog! Some of you have your own blog like I do and I applaud you. Arianna discovered in 2005 that there is so much great content, why not direct it to one site called the Huffington Post? Here are three of my favorite quotes (I forgot who she quoted) that I took away from her hour-long presentation:

1. There are so many things that I’ve faced in my life and most never happened.

2. I’ve had such a wonderful life … I wish I would have realized it sooner.

3. How I deal with an issue IS the issue!

The third is the one that I’ve dedicated my life to helping others address, as my life’s journey is focused on teaching. When it comes to teaching and learning, not everyone understands language and style of communication the same way. Some people love it when you’re direct. Some prefer a softer approach to coaching. If you don’t know how a person likes to be communicated with, how do you expect to make an impact?

People think they need to be “fair” to the people they lead so they treat them all the same. That works only if everyone IS the same and we are not. How you resolve issues with one person is often completely the opposite for another if you wish to have a real impact. Understand that Servant Leadership is meeting the legitimate needs of another person. Learn what makes everyone different and unique and be aware of HOW you treat people.

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Until Friday you can get a FREE About Me Card and find out what makes you unique. Go to www.aboutmecard.com, create a business account and use the coupon code: SHRM11 to create your About Me Card! The code will no longer be valid after the close of business on Friday!

Be Inspired!

I believe that inspiration is all around us and it seems to hit us when we’re not even looking for it.

 How many times have you seen a sign at a restaurant, read an article in a magazine, or met a person who just made you stop in your tracks and think, “Wow! I’ve never thought of it that way before.”? I think we’ve all had those moments of clarity when we sort of re-evaluate our lives and walk away feeling a little taller, a little wiser, and a lot more inspired.

 Here’s a quote I ran across that might inspire you:

 ”The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give.”

~ William Arthur Ward

 This quote just screams “Servant Leadership” to me: learning, growing, changing, overcoming challenges. Caring about, serving, and giving to others. That’s what it’s all about! I’m feeling inspired, how about you?

 Joe Kiedinger

 Action Plan: Take note of the new things you see and how they inspire you! Share them with others!

Jim Hunter Event Drew 850!

I know that many of you attended the Festival Foods-sponsored Jim Hunter Servant Leadership speech at the Meyer Theatre in Green Bay last week. I am still on a high! Many of you sent us e-mails saying how truly moved you were by what Jim had to say. I encourage you—if you are new to the Servant Leadership movement or if you haven’t read it—to get the book, The Servant. The Servant is a fictional story about an executive forced to go on a retreat by his boss to learn about Servant Leadership. Jim’s writing style will keep you engaged. It’s an easy read with a big impact.

For those of you who have been inspired by this movement, I want to remind you what Hunter said. Servant Leadership is not a cerebral exercise. You can learn ABOUT Servant Leadership by reading books and listening to speakers, but you don’t LEARN Servant Leadership until you start practicing its teachings. It’s all about being upfront with people. When it comes time to praising people and celebrating their accomplishments, the Servant Leader is first in line. And when it comes time to step in and coach people to make them better—even though it may result in being disliked for awhile—the Servant Leader is first in line for that, too!

Servant Leadership is sweeping the world right now, and I am a better person because I discovered it 10 years ago. I wish you well on your journey and know that many of us are available to help you along the way.

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Join us for our free Servant Leadership discussions. The first will be May 16th at St. Norbert College from 1-3 p.m. If you would like more information, please e-mail me at joek@prophitmarketing.com.

The unexamined business isn’t worth owning!

Recently, I was reminded of this powerful quote by Roy H. Williams, author of The Wizard of Ads. He said, “Socrates was right, ‘The unexamined life is not worth living’… He could just as easily have said, ‘The unexamined business isn’t worth owning.””

With the fast pace of business, it’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day routine. There’s so much to get done in such a short period of time! Trust me, I understand the feeling!

But as leaders we really need to step back every now and then and take a look at our businesses. I’m not talking every day—maybe once a week or once a month is right for you. However you decide to go about examining your business, I find it helps most to get a fresh perspective. Talk to customers and associates for their feedback. They can help you determine what areas are water-tight and what areas may have a leak.

But most importantly, take action when you find those leaks! Don’t let them get worse, but instead decide on a course of action right away.

You’ll find that a frequently examined business is a healthy one, because even small maintenance here and there makes a big difference in the overall health of your company.

Well, the same goes for the unexamined leader!

As Servant Leaders, we owe it to our associates, our businesses, and ourselves to continuously ask: “How am I doing as a leader?” We need to face our challenges and find out how we can be better at what we do. What are our strengths and weaknesses? What changes need to be made?

But most importantly, what small, attainable steps can be taken to make sure these changes are successful? It seems like this is where most folks fall off track. Be realistic with yourself here! You can’t go from being a non-runner to doing a marathon in one week—it takes lots of short, slow sessions to build your endurance.

The same goes for goal setting. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment; set yourself up for success!

Joe

Action Plan: Are you willing to evaluate yourself honestly and take some small steps this week?