SERVING WITH A PURPOSE

SERVING WITH A PURPOSE (CHAPTER TWO - "DEFINED.")

As leaders it’s essential to have a purpose in your actions and in this chapter we’ll look at leaders who often have gone unknown but whom have served as the greatest examples of leaders with a purpose. They hold a group of people, a culture, or a problem so closely it drives them to change the world positively through their actions.

Dr. Nathan Barlow – Mossy Foot Project

There is a rampid problem in Ethiopia called Mossy foot, formally known as podoconiosis. The disease, which is easily prevented if the person can afford a pair of shoes and socks, but remains a major problem in poverty-stricken parts of Africa. It is estimated that over one million are effected by mossy foot in Ethiopia alone.

Dr. Nathan Barlow received his education from University of California at Berkeley and arrived in Africa to begin mission work in 1945. He and his wife, as well as his four children served in Wolaita, the southern region of Ethiopia until the Marxist government was established in 1977. During his time in Africa he treated nearly every ailment that came his way gunshots, mossy foot, blindness and spinal meningitis. People who knew him well say he was a legend in southern Ethiopia. Dr. Barlow once suffered from a major toothache, he was flown out only to request that the dentist remove all of his teeth, giving him false teeth so he could never leave his mission field again for a toothache. His work has led to the establishment of fifteen clinics that treat 2,500 patients monthly. When the new Ethiopian government precipitated Dr. Barlow and his family from the country, they were not willing to retire. Instead they continued their work in other African countries including Niger, Kenya and Central African Republic. Dr. Barlow worked continually until he passed away in 2004 however his legacy continues.

His purpose was serving God through helping the people of Ethiopia left a lasting impact not only in curing the people suffering from mossy foot, but more importantly in the global service realm. He was inducted into the Medical Mission Hall of Fame in which recognized his immense service to the people of Ethiopia. Today, the Mossy Foot Project continues in Ethiopia serving thousands, providing care for those who are suffering from physical and social torment brought by podoconiosis. Mossy Foot provides vocational training for the people in the villages as well as spiritual counseling for the people impacted. Learn more about the Mossy Food Project at www.mossyfoot.com and continue to watch how Dr. Barlow’s legacy is continuing.

DEFINING YOUR LEADERSHIP

Leadership has been defined time and time again. To some, it's power and passion to others it's gentling guiding someone along, but in all cases - the definition of leadership is up to us. Thats right, we as leaders must define our leadership.

Now, to many this seems odd, almost bizarre, however I ask you to look beneath the surface. Could it be true? Have all leaders defined the term for themselves? Lets take a look at a couple excerpts from my book "Leadership Defined." [to be released Spring 2011] to learn more.

Lao Tzu – Father of Tao

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”

Recognized as the Father of Taoism, Lao Tzu defined his leadership as influencing others in transparent way. He deemed it crucial that those who are being led must feel a portion of ownership in the task and that for success to be accomplished the least amount of effort should be exhausted. His philosophy pushed a greater value on morals, which formed the foundation of his social movement. He developed concepts that gave ways for his followers to live by, which gave them a moral base to live by.

His concept of leadership defined himself as someone who would gently walk behind the religion, steering them in the right direction through small suggestions rather than through force. His definition defined his action.

Harry S. Truman – 33^rd President of the United States

“My definition of a leader…is a man who can persuade people to do what they don’t want to do, or what they’re too lazy to do, and like it.”

When one is chosen to lead the United States, their job is loosely defined as leading the nation for the next four years. Presidents, such as Truman are then able to define their method of leadership, which defines their term in the Oval Office.

Truman’s definition is clearly implemented during his time in office. He was able to persuade a strained Congress to increase Social Security dramatically, a full employment program, and a many other increases in regulation as part of the Fair Deal program. His definition defined his actions.

We as leaders must then define our terms of leadership. How do I plan to lead? What are my strengths and how can they influence how I influence others? Leadership can be described with one word – influence – however it is not truly defined until we customize it for our lives. Take some time to meditate, ponder or think about yourself.

How can you influence others?

If you’re a student how are you influencing others in the classroom or if you’re a business executive, how are you influencing those whom you work with?

How you define leadership will greatly change how you are able to impact others!