Growing up on the farm, I saw serving as a way of life that was modeled before me every day. There were chores to be done, animals that needed caring for, and it took everyone in the family doing their part to make sure they were completed. We all had to take care of the garden, help with the canning and whatever else needed to be done.
Today, at age 79 and 82, my parents still model servant leadership. My mother still cooks and serves at the local soup kitchen, while my father makes the giveaways for the farm shows that reach out and build relationships with the local farmers.
Today we hear a lot about servant leadership, it seems to be the latest buzzword. It is a concept that people talk about as if it is something that we need to learn. While I am 100% for this concept, I am often amazed that we have to be taught this. As leaders this should be a natural outpouring of who we are. We should always be thinking of, caring for and loving others.
Serving SHOULD BE in our DNA as people.
The Everyday leader knows that serving comes from the heart.
It is the real deal.
We serve because we care.
We as every day leaders know the difference caring makes in the life of another. Every day leaders intentionally serve those around them; this is what sets us apart.
I am thankful for my parents who modeled servant leadership before it was the latest fad. I want my life to model this to those I have the privilege to influence.
The everyday leader is a servant leader. It is about being the one who is willing to intentionally serve others. It is having a servant attitude and making a difference in the lives of those around us.
The Every Day Leader 
Michael,
Thank you for visiting the website and for your great comments. I loved hearing about your nonprofit experience and how servant leadership has played a part in your organization.
Servant leadership cannot be taught enough it truly is who we should be as leaders.
Thanks for sharing this article. I have worked in nonprofit for over twenty-five years. During this time I have grown to develop a passion for service to others. To see the results of our focus on programs, energy, and resources built around service to others has been truly gratifying. Now, as a seasoned nonprofit professional, I am developing and implementing leadership and management practices that embrace and integrate the concept of servant leadership.
I recently had the pleasure of completing DePaul University’s, Value-Center Leadership Program that dedicated an entire module to Servant Leadership and discussed the Greenleaf books. I have used his texts as discussion materials for our management meetings allowing staff an opportunity to share how they can become better servant leaders.
I am happy that others like you see the value of servant leadership and continue to share the message with others. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Drew! It seems these days people need a great deal of coaching in this area.
I have to believe the willingness to serve one another is an inherent part of our nature. Sometimes it just needs to be nurtured. Thanks for sharing!