Many young people in the early stage of their leadership have not built a structure and foundation of service and servanthood around their leadership, and it’s more of a mindset barrier.
For example, a leader once said he doesn’t believe in servanthood philosophy of leadership because it gives a vibe of an activity that is performed by unskilled or low level people. In his words, the word “Servant” should not be used in the same statement as “leader”.
If you think service is for people at the bottom of an organisational chart, then you have a wrong mindset about leadership. People assume that if we serve, people will lower their view of us; that they will assume we possess the lowest position in the organisation. This is a very wrong mindset.
Let me give you a perspective about servant leadership.
Look at your life objectively and think deeply about who you think has served you more than anyone else in your life?
Our answers may vary, but most people will almost automatically respond to that question by saying “My Mother”.
Our mothers seem to be the greatest example of servanthood I can leverage to explain this concept. You will agree with me that mothers naturally serve members of their family.
Now here is another question: If you agree that mothers serve members of their family, do you have a lower view of your mother because she serves you or a higher view of her?
I can almost guess your answer would be “a higher view”.
Why?
People are drawn towards those who serve them sacrificially.
Servant leadership is about adding value to people. Leaders who serve add value to people and cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
Servant leadership is not about position or skill. It’s about attitude. To be an effective leader, you must seek ways to add value to others and the primary way to do it is by serving them. See yourself as a servant who leads.
- Leaders are effective because they are motivated by love to serve others. If what you do is not driven by the love for people, you are a manipulator.
- Leaders are effective because they are secure in themselves, and that security allows them to serve others. Leaders are able to serve others because they have nothing to prove, nothing to lose and nothing to hide. They do not hide under the shadows of titles. They are secure in themselves and in the value they bring.
- Leaders are effective because they initiate servant leadership to others. When they see a need, leaders don’t wait for protocols before they meet such needs. When others talk about the problems, they are focused on solving them. When no one else is volunteering to solve a problem, servant leaders go beyond their title and their JD to solve it. It’s not about popularity but about impact.
- Leaders are effective because they model servant leadership. Leaders are effective when they lead by example. Their examples are more powerful than their lecture about leadership. Action speaks louder than words.
This letter is a reminder that leadership is a life not a position. While the majority are taking advantage of people with their leadership titles and position, I’m calling you to go counter cultural.
Lead by serving!
When you serve, you add value to the people who receive your service. This value may be as simple as feeling worthwhile or special. It could be a resource you give to people or a word of encouragement you speak to them. Whatever it is, a good habit for leaders is to try to add value to everyone rather than take away.
This week, when you meet anyone, add value to them – SERVE.
I’m rooting for you,
The Great Owete