This week was one of those weeks that required me to “shift-gears” multiple times to match the “client-customer” needs that I was responsible for.  And as I shared some of my thoughts and frustrations with a close colleague…I remembered a very special purposed leadership quote:

“Service leadership means more than just meeting the current needs of your client competently and efficiently.  It also means stepping beyond the traditional client/provider boundaries to inspire change and fulfill the promise and the potential for the client.

Service leadership also means more than knowing your client.  It requires the mastery of topics, issues, and insights related to your client’s experiences, goals, thinking, motivations and needs.  A service leader creates a vivid picture of what will make the client prosper not only today but tomorrow.  With that picture firmly in mind, the service leader then commits himself or herself to making it happen.”

(Henry Givray:  Profile in Leadership)

As you can assume this quote and TRIPLE III TIME message are mostly directed to those involved in public sector/service jobs.  In my career, I have logged over 40 years to the “CAUSE” of Service Leadership.  And whether the client-customer was one person needing help and guidance with their life circumstances or an agency group who were in constant pursuit of that “ALWAYS A BETTER WAY!” opportunity, the principles in Mr. Givray’squote have held an important place in my daily actions.

It is critical with every passing day, that those in Service Leadership positions practice what they preach.  Unfortunately there seems to be an ever-growing number of inappropriate leaders in important service positions.  The result is the sharing of mis-information, conflict in workplaces, promises made but not kept and/or a lowering standard for doing your best and commitment to quality.

Bottomline:  Do NOT take your Service Leadershipcapacities/responsibilities lightly.  Client-customers still view you as LEADERS everyday…EVERYDAY!  Reread Henry Givray’s quote one more time…it’s worth the reminder.