But what does servant leadership look like in practice? How can ALA, as an organization, resolve to lead with service in the year ahead? I propose a few guiding principles as part of a shared New Year’s resolution:
1. Be Stewards of the Mission
As members and staff of ALA, we share a responsibility to uphold and advance our mission. Servant leadership reminds us that our actions should always align with our vision and purpose: to create excellence, drive innovation and empower leaders in law. To support and elevate the professionals we serve and the profession we are a part of this year, let’s ensure that every initiative, every decision and every interaction reflects our commitment to this shared vision.
2. Cultivate Community
Servant leadership is about relationships — recognizing how we are connected and working to build a community where everyone feels valued and supported. As we look ahead, we’ll strive to strengthen the bonds within ALA by fostering a culture of belonging, respect and mutual support; we can create a space where everyone can thrive.
For instance, in 2025, we will continue highlighting conversations and facilitate bringing members together through our Online Community. Members can also expect to see the newly reimagined shared interest groups (SIGs) and new virtual and in-person events designed to address the most critical issues for legal administrators. Strategies like these not only build connection but provide opportunities for members to feel integral to the community.
3. Listening to Understand
Effective servant leaders are great listeners. This goes beyond hearing words; it involves seeking to understand the experiences, challenges and aspirations of others. In ALA, this means engaging more deeply with our members, soliciting feedback about their needs, and fostering open dialogue among our staff and Board. By genuinely listening to members, we hope to demonstrate respect and build on the foundation of taking meaningful action.
Let’s resolve to lead with service, prioritize the success of others and champion the principles of servant leadership in all that we do.
ALA’s new volunteer groups that launch in 2025 will be led by a dynamic group of volunteer leaders who will be using member input to enhance how they engage with ALA and discover new ways their membership works for them.
4. Empower Others
One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is witnessing the success of others. This year, we commit to identifying and nurturing talent within our community. Whether it’s mentoring a colleague through the Member Ambassador Program, leaning into our diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility strategic focus area by ensuring that all events not just meet but exceed accessibility standards, or enhancing the Legal Management Talk podcast with our new “Meeting the Moment” series, ALA has the power to make a lasting impact to help members achieve their goals.
5. Lead with Humility
Servant leadership requires humility — a willingness to celebrate and share successes, admit mistakes and prioritize what is best for ALA. Humility strengthens team morale and reinforces a culture of mutual respect and trust. In practice, this means embracing collaboration and recognizing that leadership fosters an environment where every voice matters.
New Year’s resolutions often focus on personal improvement, but this year, my hope is to help make ours about collective growth. Let’s resolve to lead with service, prioritize the success of others and champion the principles of servant leadership in all that we do. By doing so, we can not only strengthen ALA but also inspire greater collaboration among members and enhance the professional development opportunities available to all — throughout our profession and the legal industry.
Together, we can make 2025 a year of service, empowerment and shared success. Here’s to embracing the spirit of leadership and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
