Servant Leadership From a Leadership Speaker: 

(We are not all the same.)

This week I talked with a man who directs an area of leadership training in Columbus, Georgia. As leadership speakers we compared notes on the topic of servant leadership.

I first heard this term in church, but now it is commonplace in the corporate arenas. What does it mean exactly? I shared with my new friend that I feel most do not truly understand the importance and value of such a term, let alone have a vision for its importance. Perhaps you are the same.

At the root of a servant leader is the means for greatness. Jesus said, “Whoever would be great among you he must be a servant.” It is not about chains and restrictions, but about knowing the true core of greatness—serving. Any great business, product or service is built on serving a need. True success in these areas is based on serving with excellence. All business is based on finding a need and filling it.

I think that servant leadership is living a position long before any title is given. It is what you do automatically, whether anyone is watching. I love the story of George Washington. He was mounted on his horse during the battle but then dismounted to fight alongside his soldiers. The idea is you do whatever it takes to get the job done. However, beyond that fact, your leadership is not limited to where you have been mounted in your life. A true leader simply leads, no matter the hour, situation or placement.

Joseph in the scriptures was a leader in training as he served in the most difficult situations. In Egypt he started as a slave, serving the director of the house where he was assigned; sent to prison because of a false accusation and served in a leadership role while imprisoned. He served the needs of two fellow prisoners when they needed understanding and interpretation to some disturbing dreams and when released from his captivity he was assigned the second in command to serve Egypt as the assistant to the Pharaoh, using his skills and heart to save two nations. The point is a servant leader can operate anywhere he or she is positioned.

Servant leadership speaks of humility. Just as Jesus had the rights of heaven and its authority, He bowed to wash the feet of His disciples. How could such royalty and honor, bend over to wash common dirt off his followers? His example demonstrated true greatness as He served the needs around him first.

Our family favorite, “Chick-Fil-A,” is known for its employees greeting you with, “How may I serve you.”, and completing the task with, “It is my pleasure.” Zig Ziglar loved to say, “If you help others get what they want, you can have whatever you want.”

The word “servant” in front of leadership does not mean charity or for free. It in reality opens the doors for riches and wealth beyond your imagination because you have tapped into the gold vein of greatness—serving.