Relevant Leadership Blog

Service Makes You a Better Leader

A study at the University of Kent in southern England was dedicated to figuring out how givers are perceived. Researchers conducted an experiment called a “cooperation game” in which participants were each given a small amount of money and asked to contribute to a common fund. Next, the researchers doubled the common fund and passed it out equally to members of the group. In this game, the best thing for everyone is to continually reinvest their money and keep doubling the fund. But if you’re crafty, rather than cooperate you’ll be tempted to hold back some of your money. That

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Go Serve Someone

On Tuesday I was running late to the airport.   I decided to park inside to be closer, but there was an attendant at the gate that said it was full and I had to go to the economy parking. I took the trip around the airport to get back to the economy parking and struggled to find a spot. After parking a long ways away from any of the bus stops I ran to catch a bus I could see in the distance only to find it was full. I waited another 5 minutes for the next bus as

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Service Makes You Happier

One of the reasons that I love the Holiday Season is because of all of the good that is done in the world. We focus on others, serve those around us and look for ways to help. When I was in high school, I decided that our DECA club needed to do something that brought us together and provided service. As we discussed it, one of the girls suggested we provide Christmas for a family who needed it. We all got on board, soliciting donations, money, and food. With a monumental effort, we showed up Christmas Eve at the front

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Are You Leaving A Legacy?

My dad recently gave me a copy of the book Larry H. Miller – Behind The Drive by Bryan Miller, a compilation of stories about the life of Larry H. Miller.  Miller was a Utah businessman and philanthropist.  He started his career as a low level employee in the automotive industry, eventually growing his empire to be the 10th largest U.S. automotive dealer, with 42 dealership across the country. Miller was also a great sports enthusiast.  In 1985, Miller purchased 50% interest in the NBA team, the Utah Jazz, and bought the remaining 50% in 1986.  He continued his interest

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3 Things Service Does For You

At this time of year many people are service oriented and look for ways to make a difference for others. It is one of the reasons I love the holiday season. And although service is about helping the other person, providing service is truly reciprocal. Here are three ways service also serves the server. Service Makes You Happier When I was in high school, I decided that our DECA club needed to do something that brought us together and provided service. As we discussed it, one of the girls suggested we provide Christmas for a family who needed it. We

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Be A Servant Leader

Dwight D. Eisenhower once famously said: “You don’t lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.” A soft touch, a willingness to listen and help is much more preferable – and effective. As supreme commander of Allied Troops during World War II, Eisenhower led hundreds of thousands of men – 160,000 alone in the D-Day invasion – but still managed to make them think he knew them personally. His habit was to get out of his office whenever possible and walk and talk with men up and down the ranks, and he encouraged his officers to

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Customer Service Isn’t Costly, But It’s Priceless

A coaching client of mine heads up sales for an event rental company in California. In one of our phone calls she shared a line that resonated with me – “Customer Service isn’t costly, but it’s priceless.” I completely agree with this statement. Customer service is priceless because of the results that it creates. When we simply provide the type of customer service that is expected then we rarely build relationships and never build loyalty. Loyalty and repeat business are the result of impressive or amazing customer service. Let me give you an example. I was speaking for a group

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The Two Most Important Days of Your Life

  I’m excited to share my new book – The Two Most Important Days of Your Life. The book – The Two Most Important Days of Your Life is a fable based on a true story. Years ago, my friend Wes Blatter received an unexpected phone call that quickly put life into perspective. On the other end of the line was a devastated and emotional mother. She greeted Wes, and said, “I don’t know if you remember me or my family but ten years ago you were my son Danny’s Scout Master.” She paused momentarily and then said, “The reason

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3 Things Service Does For You

Although service is about helping the other person, providing service is truly reciprocal. Here are three ways service also serves the server. 1. Service Makes You Happier When I was in high school, I decided that our DECA club needed to do something that brought us together and provided service. As we discussed it, one of the girls suggested we provide Christmas for a family who needed it. We all got on board, soliciting donations, money, and food. With a monumental effort, we showed up Christmas Eve at the front door of a tiny home in downtown Denver with three

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Service Leads To Influence

One of the quickest ways to increase your leadership status is to become a service-oriented person. I know what you are thinking – “What does service have to do with leadership?” Well, it is actually proven that becoming a contributor increases your influence. Below I’ll explain using a quick excerpt from my book – The Power of Influence A study at the University of Kent in southern England was dedicated to figuring out how givers are perceived. Researchers conducted an experiment called a “cooperation game” in which participants were each given a small amount of money and asked to contribute

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