How Are You Called to Serve Today?
It’s been a while since I communicated, as I have been full in so many ways! I am still ensconced in my leadership and organization development work – and I graduated from seminary in June as an Interfaith/Interspiritual Minister. This just adds to my eclectic background and ways I can be present and of service to a world transforming.
I was raised Catholic and have explored the world’s major religions. I have been a practicing Unitarian Universalist for the past 24 years. Here, I was able to deliver one sermon a year during the summers. In July I delivered my first sermon as an ordained minister. I never sought to have a congregation but to offer sermons and rituals and ceremonies for life and work.
A member of my congregation asked me to do my first sermon on how I was called to ministry. My first reaction was, will this be of interest to people? I agreed, but broadened the personal to be a more universal message. We are all called to serve in unique ways, especially in our current times where old systems and ways of being are dying and we are struggling, as a universal people, to birth a new world.
These times call for all of us to discern what is our unique work to do – given our contexts, backgrounds, demographics, values, skills and abilities. I wanted to share this part of who I am as the times call for leaders to be more integrated, whole human beings who have integrity and the courage to manage uncertainty and complexity with compassion.
As I say to my executive coaching clients, I can work with you on strategic thinking, decision-making, executive presence, strategic team development and alignment, work/life integration, stress management or finding more purpose, meaning and a sense of spirituality in your work. I don’t impose my view but look to companion my clients in exploring their agenda.
So, what is your unique calling? What is YOUR work to do? Where are you being challenged, even if it’s hard and you don’t want to go there, but you are compelled to - you must? Where/how do you garner allies and supports to do the hard things that must be done?
In the past, I might not have shared this sermon or this side of myself in a business context, but I am, because I think the message is a universal– not religious – one, and so needed today, especially for leaders.
Whenever I do a sermon, I consult my husband, who is a singer and songwriter by avocation. I believe he knows the words to every song ever written, so when I share the theme, he comes up with the perfect music to accompany it. We make a great team. Thank you for considering listening.
I hope my talk may ignite or fortify your own calling…because the world needs all of us showing up in ways that matter. We may not agree, but we need to find more constructive ways to dialogue and find a way forward. Our future, and our children’s future, depend upon it. Thank you for all you do. I’d love to hear what resonates…
Suze Shaner-Brodax is an executive coach and leadership & organization effectiveness consultant. She is also an Interfaith/Interspiritual Minister and teaches yoga and meditation – tools to keep one sane in uncertain times. She helps professionals step up to their fullest leadership, life and growth potential. At times this means getting out of their own way in getting important stuff accomplished. www.sagelead.com.