Servant leadership

For years, leadership has been perceived as the ability to command and control others. From that perspective, to be a leader and a servant at the same time seems like a paradox. We should realize the value of servant leadership and the good it does to the people.

To lead through service is different from simply being a servant. Servant leaders are agents of social and spiritual revolution and leave a long-lasting legacy of positive change. In the last quarter of the twentieth century, a new leadership model emerged in the corporate world called servant leadership.

It was popularized by author and business executive Robert K. Greenleaf. He defines servant leadership as “A person who models leadership through service.” He further explains the concept by saying the difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant, who first makes sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served. Greenleaf servant leadership model has become a powerful tool that transforms entire companies and organizations.

Although nothing can beat the legacy and example left by Jesus two thousand years ago when he left the glory of his heavenly throne and assumed the position of a servant on our behalf. Consider this example, I live near to the beach, a beautiful beach. Just beside my room, there were beautiful coconut trees, tall enough for squirrels to climb down my window. He used to visit more often, this squirrel, out of nowhere, comes near the window.

One day I opened it. We became good friends and had numerous talks. He knows me well. I know him too, not more, just a little bit. After a while, we moved from there. I missed my old buddy. I might have missed him, loved him, but never have I ever once thought about becoming a squirrel so that I could hang out with him. Never, not even once. Likewise, God chose us. He chose to be with us. He loved so much that he became one of us and served us as a servant.

But today, as mere humans, we don’t get the heart to serve our own blood. The leaders of the countries are even worse. They pass random laws and force people to follow them. Everything has become about power. This kind of motive is what pits one country against another. We need to serve as servants to our people because leadership isn’t anything; it’s an influence. It has enormous power endowed within it. Today it has been abused in many inexplicable ways.

We are worth nothing if we do not have the heart to serve as a servant to the people. The more the power, the more humble the person should get and should be ready to serve anyone at any time a day, and it starts with us.

Today, the prime minister or the presidents, the so-called kings and queens of the world feels dishonoured to open their car doors when the king of the kings washed the feet of his disciples.

By Stephen

Email address: [email protected]