Embracing failure is an integral part of success, a concept eloquently encapsulated in Michael Jordan’s quote: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career… I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” As a servant leader, encountering resistance to change from your team can be challenging. However, it’s crucial to view this resistance not as a setback, but as an opportunity for growth. The quote “Listening is an effect. Communication is cause,” attributed to Meir Ezra, has been instrumental in reshaping my approach towards handling resistance. It emphasizes the importance of communication in fostering understanding and overcoming resistance. One effective strategy I’ve employed is asking open-ended questions. This encourages dialogue and allows me to understand the concerns of my team better. Remember, the goal is not to argue, but to understand. Through active listening and open communication, we can navigate the path of change together. andersahl.com
One method of dealing with obstacles and support as a Servant leader thriving for excellence for the team and the organization is to:
A) Change perspective: “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” — Walt Disney.
B) With action and empowerment, you can support your organization and each individual by creating a culture of gamification, ‘Culture isn’t just one aspect of the game; it is the game. In the end, an organization is nothing more than the collective capacity of its people to create value,’ insightfully spoken by Lou Gerstner, former Chairman of IBM and retired.
#Worksmarternotharder 2.0: Using Generative AI for a Sustainable Future
“We should have started yesterday at dinner time being kind to other humans and AI because today it may be too late for dessert.” — Anders K.S. Ahl
This quote by me reminds us of the importance of acting with kindness and foresight. Time is precious, and understanding it as 86,400,000 thousandths of a second each day helps us appreciate the value of every moment. Each tiny fraction can make a big difference in how we interact and achieve outcomes in an organization. Using Generative AI for Holistic Intelligence Management (HIM) Generative AI models, like ChatGPT 4.0, are essential tools for applying HIM principles to enhance different types of intelligence: Emotional and Social Intelligence: Empathy in Interaction: AI can help organizations simulate and promote empathetic communication. This leads to a workplace that values understanding and collaboration. For example, ChatGPT can generate prompts that inspire empathy, helping teams connect more deeply and effectively. Technological Intelligence: Innovative Solutions: AI can analyze large amounts of data to find creative solutions to complex problems. It helps businesses develop strategies that are both innovative and practical. Ethical Intelligence: Ethical Simulations: AI can model ethical decision-making scenarios. This ensures that business strategies align with societal values and have a positive impact on the community. Inspired Action for a Sustainable Future Adopting HIM encourages businesses to foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and ethical responsibility. As my own quote advises, the time to act with kindness and foresight is now, preparing for a future where technology and humanity coexist harmoniously. Reflecting on Seneca’s wisdom: “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.” Imagine turning every 86,400,000 thousandths of a second into a gamified experience for leaders. The more “thousandths” you save through strategic decisions, the more wisdom and wealth you gain. As a servant leader, think of time management as a game like chess, where the board is filled with opportunities in the present moment. Each decision is a strategic move that enhances awareness and creativity. By focusing on now, servant leaders can maximize their impact and drive sustainable success and joy in business and beyond.
Seven actionable tips for Servant leaders
1. Life maybe shorter than you think, start living in the present moment.
2. Live Authentically: Don’t waste your time living someone else’s dream. Be true to yourself and follow your heart.
3. Act Now: Remember, we all have a limited amount of time. Use it wisely and live each day to the fullest.
4. Embrace Change: If something isn’t right in your life, change it. Ask yourself daily if you are happy with your path, and don’t be afraid to adjust course.
5. Create Your Legacy: You’re here to make an impact. Don’t settle for ordinary; aim to leave your mark on the world.
6. Value Your Time: Time is probly one of your most precious asset. Cherish it and make sure you’re spending it on what truly matters to you.
7. Seize the moment and start living your best life today!
Do you want a Different Result? Change your Mindset and your perception of what you see…. To remember regarding Mindset and your perception before it is too late: “We should have started yesterday at dinner time being kind to other humans and AI because today it may be too late for dessert.” — Anders K.S. Ahl
When setting goals that will impact your business, organization, and the people involved, it’s essential to reflect deeply on your true purpose. Ask yourself: What defines my role beyond being a business owner? Consider your customers, employees, and colleagues as individuals with their own dreams and needs. If you or they had only 24 hours left to live, would anyone choose to spend it working or engaging with your company? Probably not. As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Your Company as a Purposeful Companion
Think of your company not just as a business but as a partner in purpose. It should bring joy and align with the goal of serving others, fostering compassion, and helping people live meaningful lives. Steve Jobs put it well: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” Whether you own a small dry cleaning business or run a computer consultancy with a few technicians, the question remains: Does your work reflect your values and passion? If your answer to whether you or your staff would spend your last day at work is “yes,” then you’re on the right path. Confucius brilliantly stated, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Broader Perspectives: God, Community, and Humanity
Consider your business from the perspectives of divinity, community, and humanity. Does your company empower individuals, including yourself, to rise above mediocrity and to grow spiritually? Does it add value to your community and country? Does it contribute to making humanity more compassionate and the planet healthier?
Basic Needs and Quality of Life
It’s crucial to ensure that your employees’ basic needs are met. Pay them decent wages so they can afford shelter, food, education for their children, and access to cultural experiences like theater, music, and art. By taking care of their well-being, you create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Goal Setting for Impact and Purpose
When setting goals for your business, aim to positively impact your life and the lives of others. Embrace the mindset of working smarter, not harder, to enhance productivity while aligning with the principles of servant leadership. This approach ensures your business thrives while making a meaningful difference.
In today’s fast-paced world, leveraging technology like AI can be a game-changer in setting and achieving meaningful goals. By integrating AI tools into your strategy, you can gain insights and efficiencies that align with your purpose-driven approach. Here’s how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can be harnessed to enhance your goal-setting process:
Utilize ChatGPT for Enhanced Goal Setting
Using AI tools like ChatGPT, you can brainstorm and refine your goal-setting process by generating a list of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals tailored to your business. This can help make your business stand out and provide meaningful experiences for your customers and employees. AI can offer personalized insights, helping you stay agile and responsive in a rapidly changing market.
Aligning with ChatGPT 40 Prompts
The ChatGPT 40 prompt provides a comprehensive framework for setting and achieving strategic goals by leveraging AI insights. This approach helps identify challenges, discover opportunities, and formulate actionable strategies tailored to your business context. By integrating these insights, you ensure that your business objectives are aligned with sustainability commitments and strategic initiatives for market expansion. Here’s an example of how you can utilize this tool to drive change:
The ChatGPT 40 Prompt:
“Hello ChatGPT,
I am seeking your expert guidance in developing strategic SMART goals for my medium-sized E-commerce business that specializes in sustainable products to consumers. Our primary objective is to increase sales by 20% over the next three months. Here are the key details to consider:
Current Business Overview: Monthly Sales Revenue: $50,000. Target Sales: $60,000 per month by the end of the quarter.
Operational Efficiency: Work Schedule Adjustments: Staff work hours are being reduced to 6 hours per day, while maintaining 8-hour pay. This includes 20 minutes of daily personal training using ChatGPT, totaling 100 hours annually, and 90 minutes of free time each day for personal projects, family time, or study.
Resources and Strategies: Product Line: We have launched a new product line focused on eco-friendly innovations. Digital Marketing: Our digital marketing strategy has been upgraded to reach a wider audience effectively. Sales Team: We have expanded our sales team to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.
Market Dynamics: Consumer Trends: There is a growing demand for eco-friendly products, and we aim to position our brand to capitalize on this trend.
Request for Guidance: SMART Goals: Please provide a detailed list of SMART goals that align with our sales objectives and sustainability commitments. Actionable Strategies: Suggest innovative and actionable strategies or steps to achieve these goals, considering current market trends and our internal capabilities.
Brand Identity: Company Values: We are committed to sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction. Our brand is known for offering high-quality eco-friendly products that meet the needs of environmentally conscious consumers.
Challenges and Opportunities: Challenges: Identify potential obstacles, such as market competition or budget constraints, and suggest ways to overcome them. Opportunities: Highlight opportunities for growth and expansion in the sustainable product market.
Your insights as an expert in management, sales, AI, and IT will be invaluable in helping us reach our objectives efficiently and sustainably. We look forward to your strategic advice and innovative solutions to drive our business forward.
Thank you for your assistance.”
Using this prompt aligns with the principles of servant leadership, guiding businesses to set goals that not only drive success but also contribute positively to employees’ lives and the broader community.
Final Thoughts
As you navigate the path of servant leadership, remember Eleanor Roosevelt’s wise words: “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” By leading with both wisdom and compassion, you can create an environment where everyone thrives. Set goals that inspire change and foster a culture of empathy and service, making your business a beacon of positive impact in the world. Through servant leadership, you can transform not just your organization but also the lives of those around you, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and purpose.
