Pay it Forward: Living a life of service.

Today I spoke to a classroom of university students about careers. I shared a lot of information with them about what life is like in the real world, the world that instantly arrives the day you get your degree. I started off by telling them the news that none of us want to hear, that the expensive education they have invested in and the hard work they have committed to, well frankly, "it's not about you. It is always about the customer and the employer. I explained that they are training themselves to serve others." I began to explain to the students the value of living a life of service has.

Several years ago, I remember watching a film a few years back called "Pay It Forward". It starred Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment and Helen Hunt. Its a story about a boy whose mom, Helen Hunt is an alcoholic and his abusive father isn't around.  Trevor played by Haley Osment, is challenged by his social studies teacher, Mr Simonet played by Spacey to come up with an idea that will change the world and then to put his idea into action. Trevor decided that rather than paying back favors he would start to "pay it forward" by doing good deeds for others. When he does Trevor's world changes along with him everyone he touches. 

Paying it forward happens everyday and it is a classic example of servanthood. It's about giving to a person that doesn't deserve your help but needs it. The idea is then that the person you helped will in turn help another person and so on. It is a wonderful way to put service into action. 

In a business environment, a servant mindset is critical if the business is going to met its full potential.  It comes through service to customers, vendors, coworkers and employers. In his great book, "How to Swim with the Sharks without being Eaten Alive", Harvey Mackay writes about his experience in selling his first customer envelopes, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Minneapolis, Minnesota. MacKay was so touched by the kindness with which it was treated by the Association that it impacted how he did business with other customers.

There is great value in service and the sooner we get our heads and hearts around that idea the faster we will find success both personally and professionally. When we embrace the idea that our job is to serve others life becomes more satisfying and success comes easier. In my business I often give lectures to executives as well as newly graduated students. When I do my admonition to them is "its not about you. Its about your customers and your employees." Imagine if we all adopted the mindset that 'ITS NOT ABOUT US!" Can you envision how an attitude of selflessness would impact our world both in our careers and personally? 

I have become a fan of the CBS hit program, "Undercover Boss". I have watched every program, many two or more times. I have been in contact with several of the bosses. I spoke with Rick Arquilla, president of Roto Rooter recently. When I asked him what the most important thing he learned from his experience was, he told me, "If all I do for the company is make money, I will consider myself a failure." Its about the people. Sheldon Yellen, the CEO of Belfor, the worlds largest restoration services company told me via email that its not him but "all of the great people around me" that make Belfor the great company Today I spoke to a classroom of university students about careers. I shared a lot of information with them about what life is like in the real world, the world that instantly arrives the day you get your degree. I started off by telling them the news that none of us want to hear, that the expensive education they have invested in and the hard work they have committed to, well frankly, "it's not about you. It is always about the customer and the employer. I explained that they are training themselves to serve others." I began to explain to the students the value of living a life of service has.

Consider that when we put the needs of others ahead of ours own needs and others do the same for us, we all begin to pay it forward. Wouldn't that be a better world to live in than every man for himself? 

"MAKE YOUR MISSION IN LIFE SOMEONE OTHER THAN YOURSELF" Jack Klunder.