Servant LeadershipSample

Servant Leaders Must Balance Servanthood and Leadership

One challenge of servant leadership is balancing the selflessness of servanthood with the forthright management sometimes required of leaders.

Mark Roberts shares the following story about a time when he failed at servant leadership.

“Early in my career, I failed miserably at servant leadership. My first management job was overseeing a small tutoring business. I was responsible for hiring and supervising teachers. I remember observing one of my teachers not doing a good job, but I was afraid to confront her. So I said nothing and hoped she would improve on her own. When this didn’t happen, I realized that I would have to let her go. Dreading conflict, I sent her a letter, letting her know that her services were no longer needed.

When this teacher received my letter, she raced to my office. Banging on my door, she demanded to speak with me. When I opened the door, she proceeded to tell me in blunt language that I was a coward for not talking to her directly. I knew she was right. I had not done the honorable thing by sending a letter. Servant leadership required that I risk the discomfort of a face-to-face confrontation.

The memory of that encounter has stuck with me. Though I hate to have blunt, painful conversations, I’ve learned to have them. Part of what motivates me is the conviction that, as a leader, I’m called to serve those whom I supervise. This means I have the responsibility to tell them when they are not measuring up. It means I have to deal with the possibility of being disliked. I am called to speak the truth in love.”

Even as Jesus served others, he actively addressed problems with his followers when they occurred. This insight should inform our attitude in any leadership position. We shouldn’t refrain from exercising legitimate authority or lead timidly. Rather, we should use our position and power to further others’ well-being.

Reflection

As you think about putting servant leadership into practice, what are some of the challenges you face?

Prayer

Dear Lord, show me what it means to lead with confidence and humility. Help me see how to genuinely serve those I am called to lead. May my leadership imitate yours and glorify you. Amen.

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