Musings On Service And Leadership

You work where? Why?  These questions that I have been asked multiple times involve a complicated web of the need for service, meaning in life and the desire to make a difference in the world.

Every year, in the off-season for the fire teams, I take a job. It has always been my guiding principle that I will only engage in employment that has a positive impact on the world. Several of my friends who are also Chief Officers on the Incident Management Teams have put their skills to use by manifesting leadership training organizations, not so for me.

Yes I work in a Detox unit because that is where people need help, the hours are long, the pay poor and the stories sad, yet I am invigorated.  Until humanity values those most in need as having the same inherent human value and dignity as everyone else there will always be work that feeds my inner need for service to humanity.

My urge for making a difference also leads me to engage in social activism. Currently I am organizing a protest calling on my city to establish a minimum wage that is equitable and livable.

In my book, leadership is about being willing to engage in what needs to be done; it’s personal.  Divinity has blessed me with a body that has a given amount of days upon this earth.  The question is what will I do with this time?  The leaders who I admire are not those who have vast numbers of followers, but those who are willing to get their hands dirty, engaging in service where society sees little value in their actions.

To the thousands of individuals who engage in service to humanity with little or no recognition; you are the true leaders, able to set aside personal need for accomplishment, monetary reward and security in a quest to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Every day I lead myself,  if some join me, they are welcome,  yet when I take a turn in the road, engage in the dirty work, I have no expectation that they will follow.

  Where do you lead yourself?