If you are called to LEAD, you are called to SERVE!

“Twenty-first-century leadership relationship dynamics are from the bottom up rather than the top down; from the outside in, rather than the inside out.”- James M. Strock in?Serve to Lead        

Leadership is a term that is often associated with power and authority. It is often viewed as a means to achieve personal success or gain control over others. However, true leadership is about something much deeper than that. If you are called to lead, you are called to serve.

To be a leader is to be in a position of #influence. This influence can be used for personal gain or for the benefit of others. The true mark of a great leader is one who uses their influence to serve others. Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy that emphasizes serving others first, rather than exerting power and control. This type of leadership is not about being served, but rather about serving others.

Serving others as a leader means putting the needs of your team or organization above your own. It means taking the time to #listen to your team members, #understanding their needs and concerns, and working with them to achieve common goals. It means creating an environment of #trust and #collaboration, where everyone is working together to achieve a common purpose.

Being called to serve as a leader is not always an easy task. It requires #humility, #selflessness, and a willingness to put others before yourself. It means taking on the #responsibility of leading with #integrity and setting an example for others to follow.

In the context of Business Agility, servant leadership is essential because it encourages collaboration, #transparency, and continuous improvement. By prioritizing the needs of their teams and empowering them to make decisions, servant leaders can create a culture of trust and psychological safety, where everyone feels #empowered to take ownership of their work and contribute to the success of the organization. This, in turn, can lead to greater #agility, as teams are better able to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.

Here are a few reasons why leaders should serve:

1. It fosters a sense of purpose: When leaders serve their followers, they create a sense of purpose and meaning for themselves and their teams. This can be particularly important in the workplace, where employees are often looking for more than just a paycheck. By serving their teams, leaders can create a shared sense of mission and direction that helps everyone work together toward a common goal.
2. It builds trust and loyalty: Leaders who serve build trust and #loyalty among their followers because they are demonstrating a commitment to the success and well-being of the team. When leaders prioritize the needs of their followers, they create a culture of mutual respect and support, which can help to increase employee #engagement and reduce turnover.
3. It creates a culture of collaboration: Leaders who serve are more likely to create a culture of collaboration and teamwork, where everyone is working together toward a common goal. By putting the needs of the team first, leaders can encourage open communication, constructive feedback, and a willingness to help one another
4. It promotes personal growth: Serving others can be a transformative experience for leaders, helping them to develop #empathy, #compassion, and self-awareness. By serving their teams, leaders can develop a deeper understanding of their followers' needs and perspectives, which can help them become better listeners, communicators, and problem-solvers.
5. It creates a culture of respect and appreciation: Leaders who serve inspire their team members to be their best selves, strive for excellence, and support one another. This type of leadership creates a #positive work environment that fosters #creativity, #innovation, and #growth.

In conclusion, leadership is not about power or authority. It is about serving others and making a positive impact on the world around us. Leaders should serve because serving others is a fundamental aspect of leadership. Leaders who serve create a positive and productive work environment, where everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated to achieve their best. By prioritizing the needs of others, leaders can build strong and lasting relationships, inspire loyalty and commitment, and create a culture of collaboration and innovation. Leaders who serve are focused on meeting the needs and interests of their followers, rather than their own self-interest.

So, if you are called to lead, remember that you are called to serve. Use your influence for the betterment of others, create a positive work environment, and inspire your team members to be their best selves. By doing so, you will leave a lasting #legacy of true #leadership.

Dr. Owen Fernandes, MBA

(Business Agility Coach | Psychometric Analyst | Leadership Development)