When I recently heard about an 89-year-old gentleman who was running for City Council, I wondered why someone of that age would still feel compelled to serve.
This guy was a former mayor who had served two terms on his local City Council in the 1960’s. Comfortably “retired,” he still was active in his Kiwanis Club and at his church, volunteered at the local hospital and spent summers as a greeter at a busy tourist attraction.
When asked why he chose to run for city office during such a challenging time, he replied, “I’ve got the time to study the issues and the willingness to listen to people and understand their concerns.”
He summed it up by adding, “I think I have the experience to do the job, and I know I have a heart for service.”
“A heart for service” was a phrase that resonated with me.
While exceptional leadership characteristics often include vision, empathy, intelligence, integrity and entrepreneurism, I think another characteristic is needed to truly succeed in the membership management profession.
Leaders in our industry have a “service heart.”
If you go to work everyday believing that it is a privilege to lead, represent, and SERVE your members, it makes all the difference in the world.
Great observation Marianne. Cour (heart) is the root word of courage.
Well said Marianne!