There are so many great books about leadership and mentoring. I particularly enjoyed the book “The Carpenter” since it teaches the powerful lesson of being a servant leader in a short story that most of us building a business can relate to. The story focuses around Michael, a businessman, father and husband that has just collapsed while taking a morning jog due to the stress he has been enduring in growing his business. He wakes up in the hospital and uncovers that the man responsible for saving him is a Carpenter. Michael tracks him down and soon realizes that The Carpenter doesn’t just build beautiful cabinets, he is the builder of people, careers and hope.
The Carpenter guides Michael to viewing his business, his life and his family differently. He mentors him by not telling him what to do but by sharing and listening. He helps Michael to grow by focusing on key principles that help businesses stand out, and truly be impactful.
I enjoyed the many quotes throughout the book that were truly inspirational. I also found an underlying parallel to Jesus being a carpenter and the way The Carpenter touched Michael’s life and changed it forever. “Your optimism today will determine your level of success tomorrow”. I love this quote because as humans we tend to allow negativity to creep into our minds and since the news and other people that surround us can fuel that negativity, it can cause us to forget to focus on all the positives that attract success. “You don’t have to be great to serve, but you have to serve to be great”. This quote is another strong reminder of the importance of being a servant leader.
In the words of the author, Jon Gordon, "regardless of your profession or level within an organization, I want you to know that you don't need a title to be a leader. You don't need a job description, fancy suit or a corner office. You simply need to love, serve and care to influence the people around you and your influence will grow."
Many people say to focus on growing your business and career but I say to focus on loving, serving, and caring and your business and career will grow exponentially. Focus on loving, serving and caring one person at a time and people will be drawn to you and your business, service, school, class, project, hospital, etc.
As women, we are wired to love, serve and care. I encourage to read this book and apply the principles to your business and you will help us continue to build successful women leaders for generations to come.
-Bellaria Jimenez
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