Yesterday I asked people to consider what they find is the most enjoyable way to serve others. 

If I'm being very honest with myself, I have to admit that I get the most enjoyment in serving others when I am in charge.  I like to be part of the strategic planning and management of a project that benefits the community.  I've served on boards on The Colorado Center on Deafness and Compass Montessori School.    I've also been on boards for groups that I belonged to as a member, including the Womens Estate Planning Council and the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys.   Right now I'm putting most of my efforts into organizing a marching band competition called PomonaFest.

I enjoy this type of service because I see the most return on my investment of time and energy.  Also, I am more effective and happy in serving an organization when I have insight into the big picture of its operations.  If I know the organization's management direction, I am less frustrated by seemingly nonsensical actions.  For example, when I know that the organization uses a survey to gauge the effectiveness of its President, I answer the survey with more care and attention.  I want to help, but I hate busywork.  If I know it's not just busywork, I assist more readily, willingly, and completely.

I also find it enjoyable to serve others by working with like-minded volunteers.  Selling beer and hot dogs to raise money can actually be a lot of fun if you're working alongside people who are working equally hard with a good attitude. 

I am often fascinated by the ways my clients serve others.  Asking a version of this legacy question tells me so much about them and almost always gives me new reasons to admire them.  Some preach or serve other positions of responsibility at their place of worship.  Some are Big Brothers/Sisters.  One of my most awesome clients teaches at the local juvenile detention center -- to middle schoolers no less.  I'm in awe of his patience but he just glows when he talks of his work.  It's not just business for him, it is his life's purpose.

Have you asked this question of the people you care about?  Do they know the answer you would give?