Service at Work: Empowering Success
“Service has woven its way through my life from an early age. Whether it was seeing a parent do service work, lending a helping hand to friends and family, or volunteering principles instilled in school, the value of giving back to my community was instilled in me from the start. Reflecting on the lessons learned about the impact of service on sales and leadership, here are the top takeaways from the years.” - Lauren HM
Key Points
Service is a Lifelong Value: I was taught that service isn't just an activity; it's a way of life. From youth to professional career, service has been a guiding principle that has helped to shape my approach to work and relationships.
Service Builds Relationships: By helping others, we foster critical connections in both personal and professional contexts. Whether through community outreach or mentoring within the workplace, these relationships become the foundation for success.
Service in Sales Leadership: Serving others builds trust and creates a supportive work environment. This mindset improves morale and fosters a team culture based on empathy and collaboration. The result? Better relationships with clients and colleagues, driving overall success.
Being an Ally Through Service:
Service is also about being an ally. It's about standing up for your community or others by supporting those who need it and creating a sense of inclusion. When you ask, "What do you need?" and genuinely listen to the answer, you create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
What Service Is Not:
While service is a powerful catalyst for change, it's important to understand what it is not.
Doing what others can do for themselves: True service empowers people to build their skills. Respect their abilities and let them grow at their own pace.
Taking over or leading the way: Service requires humility. Don't assume you need to take charge. Acknowledge others' strengths and support them as needed.
Overstepping boundaries: Effective service involves clear communication. Don't encroach on personal or professional spaces. Understand where your help is genuinely needed without imposing.
Why Service Matters in the Workplace
Service-oriented workplaces have the power to transform teams. Creating a culture that values compassion, teamwork, and humility encourages people to ask, "What do you need?" and act on that answer. This approach strengthens connections and opens doors to new opportunities by building lasting relationships.
When you focus on service, you can:
Enhance your team's capabilities through mentorship and professional development.
Cultivate meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues.
Promote strategic community service, reinforcing your commitment to positive social impact.
Pay It Forward
Service is more than an act of kindness; it's a way to improve the world. You can pay it forward by mentoring someone new to the industry and offering guidance as they navigate their career. You could also show support by listening to coworkers or helping them with solutions (find out "What's the Need? before jumping in.) These actions create a sense of community and inspire others to do the same.
Service isn't just about what you give; it's about creating positive ripple effects for future generations. When you focus on service, you help build a community, workplace, and world that is more inclusive, compassionate and
About the Author
Lauren Henley-McKinnon is the NEWH NW Community Service Chair, with prior experience as the IIDA VP of Sponsorship/Partner Relations. She has volunteered with various organizations focusing on arts, culture, the outdoors, and community engagement. Lauren began volunteering formally in high school and has since embraced service as a lifelong value. She believes giving back and fostering community connections can inspire others to participate and make a difference.
Contact Us
If you're committed to fostering a culture of service in your work, let's connect to collaborate! Together, we can positively impact our industry and pave the way for future generations.
