Finding new ways to improve your effectiveness – both as an individual and a leader – is a common goal among managers, and it’s a common theme to posts you’ll find on our blog.

In fact, we’ve written about the topic frequently over the past year or so, sharing great advice from a variety of sources. Here are a few of our favorite installments:

Adopt These Habits of Mentally Strong People

8 Things the Happiest People Do Every Day

3 Ways to Be a Leader People WANT to Follow

5 Ways a Leader Can Build the Perfect Team

In today’s post, Exact Staff shares S. Chris Edmonds’ secret to being your best self every day in every way by doing this ONE thing: living your Servant Purpose and values, in service to others.

Here are a few highlights from his video:

Work/Life Balance Doesn’t Work

Trying to separate, or even balance, work and life today is more difficult than ever. When you attempt to “draw lines” to distinguish the various roles you play across a wide range of contexts, it causes inner struggle that makes you frantic – and ultimately less happy and effective.

Aligning your purpose as a servant leader, however, provides a solid foundation for success. Clarifying and formalizing servant values leads to calmer, more consistent, purpose-driven behavior that you can apply across all areas of your life.

Becoming a Successful Servant Leader

Effective leadership isn’t a position; it’s a choice to serve others. It requires a single philosophy that works in all areas of your life: at work and at home; with co-workers, superiors, family and friends.

To be a true servant leader, plans and decisions must be aligned across every context, in every role and with every interaction. When you act in alignment with your best self in every situation:

• There’s no conflict among the aspects of your life. You’re fully in sync with your true self and there’s no “imbalance” to address.
• You’re better able to help others succeed, in ways that support your own success.
• You’re living your servant purpose in a way that’s meaningful to others, creating a calmer, more consistent and more authentic path for yourself.

Creating a Servant Purpose Statement

To serve others effectively, you need a single clear statement of your servant purpose and values, defined in behavioral terms. An effective servant purpose statement includes these three elements:

1. It specifies your talents and passions.
2. Identifies whom you’re trying to serve.
3. Clarifies to what end (i.e., how your talents improve your “customers'” quality of life.

Once you’ve defined this statement, you can then apply it to every situation you encounter and every role you play at home, at work and in your community.

Find the Great Leaders and Managers Your Team Needs

Exact Staff’s national network of offices can connect you with unforgettable talent to strengthen your organization. Improve performance. And achieve more. What can we do for you? Contact a staffing expert at your local Exact Staff office today!