[My Wednesday blogpost series is connected to my 2020 4Q program in which I share my personal responses to the questions raised in the worksheets.]

How could you leverage your current influence to positively affect the least privileged in society?

Robert K. Greenleaf, founder of the modern Servant leadership movement and the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, once asked some questions that test the true nature of servant leaders: “What is the effect on the least privileged in society? Will they benefit or at least not be further deprived?” Greenleaf firmly believed that servant leaders must focus primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.

Sometimes successful people pat themselves on the back for what they have accomplished, failing to realize who helped them get to where they are today or the circumstances into which they were born. But nobody has ever “ pulled oneself up by one’s bootstraps.” It’s actually impossible. Many of us were born into an environment that set us up for success. The least we can do is give back to those who are less fortunate than us. The worst we can do is take advantage of the less fortunate to improve our social and financial status.

This question hits me at multiple levels. I use my current influence with the Reverb Network to train and equip leaders around the globe who will work to stop the systemic problems of poverty and social deprivation. I also use my influence through business coaching, training, and speaking to challenge companies and business leaders to seek the welfare of their communities. On a personal level, I am trying to become more aware of products and services that may have been produced through a form of slave labor and avoid purchasing them. (That presents a challenge for one who is also committed to good stewardship!) Lastly, I have spoken in both prisons and homeless shelters, attempting to bring dignity and encouragement to those who suffer as a result of making unwise choices.

Now it’s your turn. How will you leverage your current influence to positively affect the least privileged in society? Go ahead, write something down…you are a serving leader!