Leaders are Servants

"If you are not serving, you are not leading."  (Plagarized, I mean researched quote).  A leader is called to serve those they are leading.  Coaches, Teachers, Pastors, Employers, your job is to serve those that follow you.  Providing service to those you lead is a fundamental function of leadership.  Your position does not give you power over somebody, it gives you an opportunity to serve them, to make them better to build them up.  Providing opportunities for followers to excel and grow is how you can grow as a leader.

If the people or organization you are leading has grown stagnant, check to see if you are expecting to be served,  or if you are serving.  Servant-Leaders who put the cares and concerns of their followers ahead of their own work in dynamic, growing and thriving environments.

Sometimes the word "servant" has a very negative connotation.  The poor, waiting on the wealthy, the powerless doing the biding of the powerful.  It is quite the opposite.  A servant leader is on the lookout for how they may help and empower their followers.  Change the way you view service.  To serve others as a leader find ways to empower and encourage them to fulfill the mission.  Imagine if you had 10-15 followers who were all inspired to work hard (after observing you modeling this priceless behavior), were empowered to do their job and encouraged that you really care about them.  How could your organization, team or classroom take off under those circumstances?

A week or so ago I had the opportunity to model some servant leadership.  A student had spilled a drink in the cafeteria.  I quickly sprung into action and began cleaning it up.  I was able to model to 100+ students in the vicinity that no job is "below" me and that I am willing to help out when needed.  Being a servant leader changes the dynamic from "how can they help me to accomplish MY mission" to how can I help them accomplish OUR mission."  That can be a very powerful change that can bring tremendous results.  When the phone rings at odd hours do you think "Oh Great, now what" (that is often my response, unfortunately), or do you think "Oh Great, an opportunity to help someone."  It makes a major difference.  Try it out this week.  Serve your followers, instead of expecting them to serve you.  See what a difference it can make.