Servant LeadershipSample

Servant Leaders Commit to the Growth of Other People

In the book of 1 Chronicles, King David provides an example of servant leadership. When David finally comes into his own as a leader, he invests his talent in developing others. Contrary to his predecessor’s (Saul's) fears of a rival, David surrounds himself with a company whose exploits rival his own (1 Chronicles 11:10-47). He honors them (1 Chron. 11:19), encourages their fame and promotes them (1 Chron. 11:25). God uses David’s willingness to sponsor and encourage people to build David’s own success and to bless the people of his realm.

Servant leaders invest in the growth of those they serve.

Watch Mark Canlis, co-owner of Canlis, one of the top 20 restaurants in the United States as rated by Gourmet Magazine, talk about work as a place where people grow into who they are trying to become.

Reflection

How can you invest in the long-term professional, personal and spiritual growth of those you lead? How would this affect the climate of your workplace or the future of your company?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, give me wisdom to see how to invest in the development of those I’m leading. May we grow in becoming the people you created us to be. Amen.

Click to read more from Mark Canlis’ interview with Centered.org.

Click to read more about David’s leadership from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary .