Everybody, Always

Earlier this summer I read Bob Goff’s second book, Everybody Always. If you haven’t picked it up yet, you should give it a shot. It’s a fun, quick, and easy read. It’ll also take you back to the basics, which we all need sometimes.

Bob Goff is an interesting character. He’s been very successful as a lawyer, has made a huge impact in the christian world, and is very much like Forest Gump. He’s entertained celebrities, world leaders, and world changers. He’s had quite the life. If you’re not familiar with Goff or his work, definitely check it out. Find his website, read a book, search for an interview, something. He’s interesting enough that it’s worth your time.

What strikes me the most about Bob Goff is his genuine interest in people. In his books, this stands out to me more than anything else. He is genuinely interested in the people he is around. Anyone he’s around. I think that’s a lesson many leaders need to learn.

If you’re like me, you’re selfish sometimes. Maybe even a lot of the time. If you’re like me, you’re always thinking about your next step, your next goal, and the next person you need to meet to take you there. And if you’re like me you know that statement applies to everything - career, creative projects, even travel. That selfishness is rarely intended, but it’s there.

Here’s how we combat it - become genuinely interested in other people!

If we really believe that the greatest leaders are the greatest servants, we should constantly be seeking out ways to serve. And I don’t mean “serving from the stage” or “serving from the pulpit” or from some other glamorous-seeming role. I mean really loving people. We should seek out ways to serve. The BEST way to find out how to serve someone is find out what they need. The best way to do that is become interested in them. Listen to them. Love them. That will allow you to serve them.

In Everybody Always, Bob Goff gives example after example of this. Follow Goff’s lead. Become interested in people.