Servant LeadershipSample

What is servant leadership? This concept has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient philosophies and teachings. It's a tradition that has stood the test of time, and Robert Greenleaf brought it to the forefront of modern leadership discourse with his 1970 essay “The Servant as a Leader.” Greenleaf's definition of servant leadership resonates with this tradition: “The servant leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve first.” The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership further defines servant leadership as “a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations, and ultimately creates a more just and caring world.”

At its heart, servant leadership is about one fundamental principle: putting people first.

In Luke 22:25-27, Jesus discusses what he expects of those in “authority”:

“Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.’” (NIV)

Jesus came to set the ultimate example of servant leadership. Leaders, by virtue of their position, have a seat assigned to them at the table. However, true leaders are never confined to that seat. They work among their people, developing personal connections and understanding their needs. They set the example by leading from the front and prioritizing others above themselves, just as Christ did. Christ had a seat at God's right hand, yet he came in the flesh to suffer along with us and show us The Way.

If you’re in a formal leadership position, think today about how you can better prioritize your people above yourself. Consider how you may better use your position of influence to bless others for whom you are responsible. If you’re in an informal leadership position, ponder how you may still apply these principles to your interactions with your peers. Regardless of your official title, you can never be wrong by putting others first.