Friday, December 16, 2005

Big Power in Small Actions

by Dale Shumaker
4spirit@gmail.com

It was the last time I would be with him.
He had us all over for a brunch... it was about 12 of us.
I was seated immediately to his left. He asked me,
"May I serve you?"
I was somewhat taken back by his question as he put the first serving of the brunch on my plate.

Shortly after that, he was off to Washington, D.C. for the swearing in of his son as a U.S. Senator... of which he was very proud. On the way back from Washington, Dr. Ashcroft died while visiting his other son in Kansas City.

"May I serve You?" A man of accomplishment, stately stature, cultured and educated was asking to serve me... a person of little notoriety, unrefined culturally, just trying to find my way around in the world.

"May I serve you?"

Fred was Mark Sanborn's mailman. Fred so impressed Sanborn with his remarkable, personal service as a U.S Postal carrier, Sanborn wrote a book about Fred's service... The Fred Factor. Mark Sanborn is a professional speaker and has used Fred as an example of how personal service builds acclaim… based on one simple offer:
"May I serve you?"

Here's what he learned from Fred's distinctive, personal conscientious service... that will make us all distinctive.
1. Everyone makes a difference.
"There are no insignificant or ordinary jobs when performed by significant or extraordinary people."
2. Success is built on relationships.
"Service becomes personalized when a relationship exists between the provider and the customer."
3. You must continually create value for others, and it doesn't have to cost a penny.
"Replace money with imagination; substitute creativity for capital."
4. You can reinvent yourself regularly.
"Choose each day to make your life like you want it."

"Things we do both small and large, cumulatively create a lifestyle that becomes apparent to anybody paying the slightest attention. It's the kind of examples that most influence others."

“Success is built on relationships.”
Quality relationships are directly related to the time invested. Be real, be interested, be a listener, be empathetic, be honest, be helpful, be prompt. Give the best time to your most important relationships.

Fred focused on the little things and took time to know his patrons.
(Note: www.fredfactor.com)

Jesus devoted His best time on His most important relationships. Jesus visited Matthew, the tax collector, at his house. Matthew later wrote the historical account of Jesus’ life… The Gospel by Matthew (a despised tax collector).

He spent time with Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary... His best of friends. He aborted an important trip and returned just to resurrect Lazarus who died.

He took His disciples off to the side regularly to explain to them what He was doing and why. In the last part of Jesus' life He spent as much time as possible visiting with His disciples and going over things... telling them His secrets about what was going to happen.

"We want to sit in places of honor next to you," Jesus disciples asked. Jesus answered, “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."(Mark 10:45, NLT)

Jesus had a loyal gang like none other. Even after His death they followed His teachings to their death. He distinctively "served" them. It created a bonding relationship that nothing on earth could break…this Jesus’ trait was Fred the mailman’s model.

The power of serving created unending relationships among Jesus and His followers. When we focus on "serving" others, we create resilient relationships as well.
How well do you know those who work with you… their passionate desires and dreams?
How well do you know your clients or customers?
What is “really” important to them?
Do you spend most of your time with your most important relationships?

With a servant’s heart, a loyalty is cultivated that is literally “death defying.” This is exceptionally powerful and invincibly significant.

“But among you, those who are the greatest should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Normally the master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here! For I am your servant. You have remained true to me in my time of trial.” Jesus told His disciples. (Luke 22:26-28, NLT)

When you serve others, others instinctively serve you. They will be the most loyal ones to you… staying beside you even through your trials. They will serve you with their best, as you serve them with your best.

By setting a servant example, you lay the foundation to create a serving culture in your business. It can start at any level and it will become contagious. A fantastic culture begins emerging, transforming your business environment.

Always remember. Jesus constantly whispers to you…
“May I serve you?”

Jesus Spirit spends time with you… His most important relationship.
“I am with you always” pulsates continually in the heart of your Spirit.


No matter what. He is always there.



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