What Does It Mean to be a Servant Leader?

What does it mean to be a servant leader? In Jim Collins’ best-selling book, Good to Great, he defines the term “Level 5” as the highest level in a hierarchy of executive capabilities identified by his research team. They discovered that Level 5 leaders “are ambitious to be sure, but ambitious first and foremost for the company, not themselves”.

At the core, servant leaders are those who are unselfish. They focus on the people they serve. They see their position as a place to give more than a place to receive. The receiving happens, but the joy is in helping others.

Jesus is the greatest example of a servant leader. He said, “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26, 28).

Jesus served those He had called to work alongside Him. He took a towel and a basin of water as He kneeled to wash the disciples’ feet. This action was always done by a servant in those days. It was clear to everyone that Jesus had stooped down to serve.

Leaders who choose to serve are not weaklings.
Serving is a choice that takes strength of character when you are not forced into that role. Corporate leaders can choose to serve themselves or serve the ones who work with them. All employees in a company have a choice to serve themselves or serve the people who use their products or enjoy their services.

Attitude is a reflection of the heart.
The human spirit (heart) can only be transformed by God. He has the ability to change us from the inside out. He is a God of excellence and quality. Trying to make someone be a servant leader when they do not have the heart of a servant leader is extremely difficult. The transformation process works from the inside out. Even when people let God come into their heart, they still have a choice to follow His directions. God is not a dictator. He has given us all a free will to choose our own way or His way.

All around the world companies that are focusing on serving at every level are rising. People can discern whether we care about them. It is obvious at a certain level of numbers you may not be able to touch or speak to each individual personally. However, your attitude related to the circle you do impact will help that group of people demonstrate servant leadership to those you don’t get to touch.

Living the example is the essence of servant leadership.
The power of influence is the end result. As people see leaders take the role of serving, they are more inclined to follow. Daily decisions must be made with the bigger picture of those you serve and the team who serves that group.

The best way to get on the path of servant leadership is to follow the life of Jesus and ask Him to help you. George Washington relied on help from God. His commitment to read the Bible and pray is a matter of public record. His leadership as our first President helped to establish the United States of America.