Leadership for power or to serve?

I often tell my clients that we are the CEOs of our one lives! As we seek to gain leadership positions in our workplaces, we must ask our selves a very important question, is it about gaining power or to be of service to others?

Leadership is often associated with power, authority, and the ability to direct others. However, seeking leadership solely for the sake of power can lead to a shallow and ineffective approach. True leadership is about service, vision, and inspiring others to achieve a shared goal. It requires humility, empathy, and a genuine commitment to the growth and well-being of those we lead.

Leaders who focus on power only, may prioritize their personal ambitions over the needs of the team or organization. This can create an environment where fear and control dominate, stifling creativity, collaboration, and innovation. People may feel demotivated and disengaged if they believe that their leader is more concerned with maintaining control than fostering their development.

I am certain that we have all seen the greed for power by some leaders and some of those who thrive for leadership roles. People like these, are conceited and at every opportunity, they speak about their achievements and how qualified they are to lead a team. They become loners in the organization because in their minds, it is not about teamwork, but what they can do.

Effective leadership, on the other hand, is rooted in trust and influence rather than authority. Great leaders inspire and motivate their teams by setting a clear vision, leading by example, and empowering others to take initiative. They understand that leadership is about helping others succeed, not about accumulating power for its own sake. They build relationships, listen to feedback, and make decisions that benefit the collective, rather than serving their own interests.

The difference between power-driven and service-oriented leadership can be seen in the long-term outcomes. Power-seekers may achieve short-term gains, but their impact often fades as they fail to build sustainable, engaged teams. Leaders who focus on empowerment and growth, however, create lasting success because they cultivate trust, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose.

Leaders and aspiring leaders should reflect on their motivations. Leadership is not about status or control, but about making a meaningful impact. Those who pursue leadership for the right reasons—service, inspiration, and collective success—are the ones who create lasting, positive change. On the other hand, those who seek status and control will eventually derail their own careers!