Leadership Nugget: Opportunity for self or to serve

Dear leader,

I went to my bank recently to do a change of address; which was a very simple task but I left the bank feeling as if a thousand weights have been lifted off my shoulders, all down to the lovely lady who attended to me. I was really impressed by the way she was able to give me advice to manage my finances much better than I had been doing and she ended up saving me hundreds of pounds. What I really appreciated was how she was able to quickly assess opportunities by just noticing some of my transactions and account details; she was able to come up with options which she brought up during our conversation. I did not feel I was being sold a 'financial service'. With such attitude to work, I could easily understand why she was awarded a platinum award by her bank. This is one employee that uses initiative, is proactive, and knows how to maximize opportunities!  She demonstrated leadership by positively influencing her customers’ financial management habits, thereby adding value to their lifestyle and making some nice profit for her bank in the process.

This week's leadership nugget is the importance of using our initiative to maximize opportunities for both our benefit and that of others. In the good book, Joseph had two opportunities that had the potential to propel him into great things. The first was the opportunity to have material wealth and influence through an adulterous affair with Potiphar’s wife. This was an opportunity that was worth missing; not only was it self- centered but it would have meant doing an evil thing in the eyes of God. The second time was when in prison, he had the intuition that something was wrong with the Baker and the King's cup bearer, so he asked them. They told him they had a dream which no-one could interpret. Joseph used the opportunity to profile his God who 'interprets dreams' and also to get his unjust imprisonment to the King's attention; he took it. It took two years but he was released from prison and elevated to the highest position after Pharaoh. What a promotion!

A godly leader not only has the ability to assess opportunities when it happens, but also to assess whether using that opportunity for personal gain or to serve is the right thing to do. I think there is also a third option which is both to serve and to add benefit to your life, as in the case of Joseph. The important thing is that the main reason should be to serve others and add value to their lives. In order to maximize opportunity we need the ability to perceive the opportunity, utilize all available information and have the courage to take the necessary action. This ability is a skill that is required in a leader; one who influences, lead the way and impact lives positively.

Be more conscious of the opportunities that come your way.

Successful people are always looking for opportunitites to help others. unsuccessful people are always asking, "What's in it for me?" Brian Tracy

Have a wonderful week and remember to light your world.