Leadership Is ... Towels or Titles #330

In the hours before his crucifixion, Christ demonstrated his love for his people. “He poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:5 NIV) 

Realizing and building on the foundation set by Christ, John Maxwell is quoted as saying “the secure are into towels and the insecure are into titles. The secure are people conscious, the insecure are position conscious. The secure want to add value to others, the insecure want to receive value from others.”

Peter hesitated, “you shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered, unless I wash you, you have no part with me. Then, Lord, Simon Peter replied, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” (John 13:8-9 NIV)

Servant Leadership is caring and serving.

It is not controlling, manipulating and taking advantage of others.

Servant Leadership is serving Christ as we serve others.

It is not we as opposed to others in competition for self.

Servant Leadership is without discrimination.

It is not choosing based on personal ideology, bias and tradition.

Servant Leadership is planning and demonstrating God’s love in whatever we do every day.

It is not living for Christ only on Sunday at church.

Servant Leadership is receiving Christ’s love and guidance as we serve others.

It is not the ‘know it all’, vying for and taking control.

Servant Leadership is building and encouraging your team members.

It is not building our self-esteem at the expense of others.

Servant Leadership is giving generously.

         It is not withholding.

Leadership is … defining and living the difference between the power-hungry leader and the Servant Leader with three questions. Do you lead for yourself or others? Do you serve for personal benefit or others? Are your decisions, actions and priorities demonstrated in caring for others? 

Yours in Service,

Laurie D. Kennedy

Leadership Coach

[email protected]