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Succeeding and Serving

Guest post by: Jim Stovall

Article Overview: I am very grateful to think that this humble weekly column I began writing a decade ago for a local paper is now read by countless people in a multitude of newspapers, magazines, and online publications spread over four continents. For those of you reading this humble offering other than here in America, I will beg your indulgence or at least your attention as we all try to learn an important lesson from the political process here in the United States.

Succeeding and Serving

I am very grateful to think that this humble weekly column I began writing a decade ago for a local paper is now read by countless people in a multitude of newspapers, magazines, and online publications spread over four continents. For those of you reading this humble offering other than here in America, I will beg your indulgence or at least your attention as we all try to learn an important lesson from the political process here in the United States.

I agree with Winston Churchill when he said, “Democracy is the worst system in the world except for all the others.” Regardless of your political persuasion, Americans have been inundated--if not completely beaten down--by the political process over the last two years. The saving grace remains that shortly we will, indeed, select a new leader, and then on the appointed day in January, that new leader will be sworn in to office while the current leader of the free world voluntarily and peacefully leaves office.

This makes us the envy of many people around the globe and is a direct result of the inspired brilliance and vision of the framers of our Constitution.

Unfortunately, I do not feel that those brave patriots who signed our Constitution ever envisioned wall to wall, multi-channeled campaign and convention TV coverage with endless commentary; but let us not allow apathy or nausea to overtake us. A deep breath and a moment of contemplation will reveal to each of us that, though abused and flawed, this great American experiment is working--and working quite well.

Those of us in business too often buy into the stereotype that politicians and government bureaucrats do little other than drain the system and get in the way of our growing economy. While there are certainly politicians and government employees who are not living up to our best ideals, I have been to Washington, DC many times on private and government business and have been pleasantly surprised with the competency, commitment, and character of those who serve within the U.S. Government.

Oftentimes, we mistakenly think that success means reaching a position where others serve us. Whether you are in the government or private sector, the reality remains that success is getting into a position where you serve others. The depth and breadth of your service will determine the height and magnitude of your success.

As you go through your day today, take every opportunity to thank those who serve us, and vow to become a part of the process. We need each of you.

Today’s the day!

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Article Tags: democracy, jim stovall, servant leadership, service to others



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