Change Value
Rotary’s vision statement is “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” The concept of creating lasting change is defined differently in everyone’s mind.
At this year’s virtual Zone Institute there was a session where we heard from author Steve Farber regarding “Do what you love in the service of people, who love what you do”. In his book Love is Just Damn Good Business, Mr. Farber says.
“When you do what you love in the service of people, then what you do takes on a higher purpose – helping them succeed at what matters to them, helping them reach their potential, helping them overcome their challenges, helping them improve their quality of life, helping them find joy and contentment.
That’s how you change the world.
I know this guy, by the way, who hates it when an author or speaker talks about how you, as a leader, can change the world. It just seems like way too much hyperbole to this guy. I get it. And I admit that “change the world” has becomes an overused cliché. It’s much easier to talk about it than it is to do something about it.
But let me tell you this: if you want to change the world – really change the world – then all you have to do is add value to the lives of the people in your sphere of influence. That’s it. Serve others. Because when add value to their lives, their world will be a better place. It will change for the better.”
Mr. Farber is speaking to his readers as leaders within the business communities. But the concepts of leadership can be expanded to what we as Rotarians do. Leadership is one of the five core values of Rotary. Many Rotarians feel that if they are not in a club leadership position, they are not a Rotary leader. This concept could be no farther from the truth. Every Rotarian is a leader.
As we start to look at how we, as Rotarians, are going to make positive changes in our communities and the world we may need to start the discussion around how our actions adds value to those lives we are hoping to impact. When we gather as leaders, think about service projects (share ideas), and plan our actions we should be asking about the value added.
In considering the added value of a service project or other service-related action do not forget to factor in the ripple effect of the actions. Think of the ripples in a pond when a rock is tossed in. The center of the ripple could represent the centeral goal of the service project and the extending rings or ripples would represent other positive impacts or added value. It could be the smiles on the faces of the childern who benefit, or it could be the simple ‘Thank You’ you get from those impacted. One added value we should never discount the good feelings we as Rotarians get when we see the impacts. We should not feel guilty for feeling good about ourselves and our fellow Rotarians who pitched in with either their time, talent, or treasure.
“When you do what you love in the service of people, then what you do takes on a higher purpose” When we consider why we joined and have continued to be a part of Rotary you soon understand that “Service Above Self” does lead us to actions that take on a higher purpose. Rotary allows us to be a part of something bigger than we are as individuals and multiplies our efforts in the communities we serve.
The Rotary Club of Boise Sunrise has a promise statement for our members that reads:
“We promise that as leaders within our community, our members’ voices will be heard, their ideas shared, their actions multiplied, and their treasures invested to make positive changes in the communities we serve.”
This promise lets our members know that they are added value to our club. With this promise our members know they are an important and integral part of our club. We love our members and as Mr. Farber would say “It is just good damn business.”
What are going to do in the coming year or years to increase the love and added value within your club as well as those that will be served by your actions?
Steve Gage
District 5400 - District Trainer
IPP Boise Sunrise
November 2020