The Serving People Approach Rather Than The Self-Promoting Approach

Some people prefer to follow the serving people approach rather than the self-promoting approach. Let’s explore how people may follow these paths.

The Serving People Approach

People who follow this approach want to help people. They may do this when working as a carer, educator, craft worker, scientist, trusted advisor, leader, decision maker or in another role.

Some people follow this path because they simply want to help others. Some may want to serve a spiritual faith, a vocation or a sense of mission. Some may want to care for people and the planet.

Some people follow this path in their daily lives. Some do it in their professional work. They may then aim to build on their strengths, do satisfying work and help people to succeed.

They like to focus on a purpose and follow their principles. They enjoy encouraging people but, at the same time, recognise warning signs if they stray into becoming a victim.

Such people love to give and, on occasions, may experience the helper’s high. The real work is about serving something greater than themselves, however, it is not about them.

They love to share knowledge. They are happy to promote the work and how it can help people. But they often don’t feel comfortable promoting themselves.

The Self-Promoting Approach

People who follow this approach make everything about them. They may focus on their own agenda, brag about their achievements and even come across as narcissists.

Some may say they are serving other people but are using these people as pawns in pursuit of their own goals. Some individuals may claim to be the smartest person in the room or take credit for other people’s achievements.

People who are self-promoting are addicted to getting attention and can never get enough praise. Some may do increasingly extreme things to make sure that people are talking about them.

Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of the serving people approach? How can you do this in your own way?

If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.