I have always been a carpe diem, “Seize the Day,” kind of person. In part, it is how I am naturally wired. One of my strengths is that I am wired with an intentional focus of accomplishment, not just for me, but for a great cause.

Carpe Diem has always been my motto. Seize. The. Day.

As a child growing up in the Bronx in the 1960’s and 1970’s, gaining control was important. If you did not have control, it meant someone else did. Whether it was the nuns at St. Brendan’s School, my parents, or the local community leaders, I did not want to be controlled. To prevent this control by others, I tended to over-exert my own control.

I have always been willing to live or die by that seizing. I knew that if I wanted to take control, responsibility came along with it; and I was willing to live with the consequences.

Carpe (“seize”) felt good.

As I got older, I realized that “seize” can also mean “to overpower” – to take control where control has not been granted. At this level, control can result in your being a solo act in a world where the stage is built on cooperation and collaboration.

In this regard, control can result in diminishing returns instead of increased results.

My friend and colleague, Ray Popham, talks about service as being “the portal to leadership.”

That is so true.

I have found that, as I lead in service to others, I have been stretched and grown as a leader.  Simon Sinek wrote a great book, Leaders Eat Last. In his book, Sinek says that being a leader means putting others ahead of yourself in order to fulfill a vision.

In other words, it is not about carpe diem – seizing. It is about servite diem – serving.

Examine your leadership this week.

Are you a carpe diem leader or a servite diem leader?

Better yet, are you a beautiful blend of both, serving the world and driving results?

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For more resources on leadership, click here to learn about the Maxwell Method of Communications Impact Report.

As the CEO of Strength Leader Development, Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after international executive mentor, coach, trainer and speaker. Deb is well versed in global business operations and helps business leaders and their teams to discover and leverage their strengths, so they can create highly collaborative teams that deliver great results. With a refreshingly direct style, Deb helps leaders and their teams to deliver profitable results. Connect with Deb to learn more about her mentorship and coaching programs to equip you with advanced strategies to elevate your results.