Who am I? I'm a servant leader in training. How do I know? When I recognize that I could have listened more carefully, could have left my own thoughts aside, or forgot the importance that clarity plays in accountability, to name a few. My misstep comes to me after the fact, and I know that I could have done better.
Servant leadership takes practice for a new student to master.
Convention of States offers a great course in servant leadership to its volunteers and leaders. It's one of the core values of the organization and is recommended for everyone. Reserve a date to take the course. I think you will find it to be a life-changing experience that leaves you wanting even more.
Roslyn Weisenburger was our instructor, and I can't say enough about the heart, soul, and tremendous talent that she brought to the class. She is a servant leader. She knows the material inside out and teaches it in a way everyone understands. I'm not sure if it was the people or the material, but our small group was honest, respectful, and unified from the beginning.
The Servant Leadership book by author David Kuhnert, the underpinnings of this program, breaks servant leadership down to its simplest parts and defines them in understandable terms. Like separating perception from reality or simply how to get 'there' from 'here.' He states that you have to be told something between seven and 11 times before you finally get it. He explains how to listen properly and points out the barriers to communication. Many things that we've known about forever are put into focus, like learning something for the very first time.
There's much more to be taken from this training. For me, it turned out to be a spiritual awakening and an opportunity to look at myself objectively to see how I could become a better person. We study the accomplishments of some of the greatest leaders from the past and see that great character endures. I ask myself what would make someone want to follow me as a leader? What would make me a better role model?
Convention of States is full of servant leaders. This is the only organization I've ever been associated with where everyone blends together like true equals. Though there is a hierarchy in place with state, regional, and national leaders, it doesn't really feel like it. The comfort level and respect shown are the same regardless of who is in the room. That's saying something.
Don't be surprised to see me in another servant leadership class somewhere down the road. I heard somewhere that it takes between seven and 11 times before you finally get it.
For more information or to sign up for a class, email Ginny Rapini at grapini@cosaction.com
