Happy Monday! Welcome to Monday’s edition of The Online School of Leadership.
Today marks the beginning of another week and I trust that you decided start the week strong. Last week I defined servant leadership and shared how leaders can lead and serve simultaneously. You can read more about it HERE and HERE. Today we conclude Session One: The Best Kept Leadership Secret discovering the characteristics of a servant leader.
Characteristics of a Servant Leader
A servant leader is someone who understands the bigger picture. They know the benefit of putting the group, individual or organizational agenda ahead of their own. A servant–hearted leader understands that their task is to equip and empower those they lead. By helping group members or employees achieve their goals, they know they are enriching the organization as a whole.
A leader who is a servant is secure enough to know that serving others takes nothing away from their leadership position. A servant leader is confident. They do not need a title. They take on the role of a servant willingly out of love. They have a true desire to help others and happily initiate service even when there is no direct benefit to them.
An influential leader ignites an organization’s potential and drives the vision by being servants themselves. You too can be an effective leader by having the heart attitude of a servant as you empower, equip and encourage others.
Question:
Do you possess the characteristics of a servant leader?
Further Reading Inspiration and References:
Scripture verses: Jesus washes the disciple’s feet as a servant – John 13 verses 3-5
- To be great you must be a servant – Mark 10 verses 43-44
- Christ’s attitude of being a servant – Philippians 2 verses 5-7
- God looks for a servant heart – 1 Samuel verse 7
Other Reading:
- The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader – John C. Maxwell
- AX-I-OM Powerful Leadership Proverbs – Bill Hybels
- Developing the Leader Within You – John C. Maxwell
Good stuff because servant leaders must also become a servant to the vision of an organization even if that vision may not be their own vision
Rev.,
Thanks for reading & responding and excellent analysis! I once heard someone say: “The true test of a leader’s heart is if they can remain faithful to another persons vision! You hit it right on the head.