The Servant Leader: Why You Should Be One

While there are many leadership styles, we prefer The Servant Leader.

A Servant Leader is always engaged in being aware of and listening to what’s happening between people, and inspiring others to act. This is all without having to raise their hands to say, “follow me!”

It is not like being a passenger in a car.

Nelson Mandela was a Servant Leader. He was with the people all the time, not locked in an ivory tower giving orders. He was accessible. He used simple language to communicate with his people. He was one of them. His power grew organically through his direct relationship with the people.

How can you become more of a Servant Leader? It happens slowly. Start by listening to your people, learning what they really think and feel. Have empathy, reflect on it, and then act on it.

Google “Examples of Servant Leaders” for a list of other people who led this way.

BEFORE YOU GO:
We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.
1. What local examples of Servant Leaders can you name?
2. What other styles of leadership do you like?
3. What can you do today to begin acting as a Servant Leader?
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Faris Alami is Founder and CEO of International Strategic Management, Inc. (ISM). He works internationally, presenting Exploring Entrepreneurship Workshops and other entrepreneurial ecosystem — related ventures.