Servant Leader Vs. Self-Serving Leader

The Servant Leader

I recently read a book called "The Servant Leader" by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges. 

"He who is GREATEST among you shall be your SERVANT. And whoever EXALTS himself will be HUMBLED, and he who HUMBLES himself will be EXALTED." Matthew 23:11-12

We are here to serve others. Our leadership determines who will follow. It comes from your heart, mind, and actions. 

Are you helping someone for your own self gain? To see how far it will take you or to see what you can get out of it? Are you doing it for the recognition? What are your motives? Selfish desires leave us lacking and always wanting more.

It's not about what you can get, but what you can give.

Be aware when you become more concerned with promoting yourself than you are others.

"Be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of your MIND." Romans 12:2

Leadership Vision:

Your purpose. Where are you going and where do you want to be? Your values, how are they important to you?

 "No organization will rise above the passion of the leader"

CHANGE...something most people fear. Some even cringe at the thought of it.

Are you willing to change to become better?

Change is hard. Tell people what to expect. Work together to help each other through it. People think they can only handle so much at one time. They will think they don't have enough time, money, knowledge, etc. to make the change. Help them find ways. People are at different levels and go at different paces. Don't pick on one person. "Some people are risk-takers and others take longer to feel secure." Keep them focused on the change.

Develop others so they can work when your not around. Support and guide them as they develop. Be committed to them and listen to them. Focus on the growth and well-being of other people.

Robert Greenleaf said “The servant leader is servant first … It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead … (vs. one who is leader first…) … The best test, and difficult to administer, is: Do those served grow as persons … (and become) more likely themselves to become servants?”

"If I then, your LORD and Teacher, have washed your feet, YOU also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an EXAMPLE, that YOU SHOULD DO as I HAVE DONE TO YOU." John 13:14-15

I don't know about you but I want to be a SERVANT LEADER not a SELF-SERVING LEADER!

After reading this I had to take a look in the mirror and realized I had some things I could definitely improve on. I want to value others and their opinion, build trust, teach others to lead, encourage them, always show them I care and to never seek personal gain, growth, power, or status.