Four Statements Toward a More Significant Servant Leadership Profile

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Rulership is the oldest form of leadership. To rule means to exert control, direction, or influence on or over something. This is the overall concept of dominion. The exercise of dominion is not wrong or negative; it can bring order to chaos, flourishing, and beauty.

When rulership—the exercise of control, direction, or influence—becomes harsh, arbitrary, or abusive--it becomes domination. Sadly, it is easier to spot leadership by domination than it is leadership by dominion.

Good dominion possesses power and authority that is focused on serving others. Domination is power for power's sake—and focuses on helping and benefiting self.

The Bible speaks to both expressions of leadership. God tells the first humans to have dominion over the rest of creation in Genesis 1:28. This concept is about rulership. But it also reflects a stewardship relationship with the rest of creation. The people did not create anything out of nothing—God created it all and asked the man and woman to rule over it well. A steward recognizes that they own nothing but are entrusted with everything. They are tasked with managing this entrustment faithfully and fully to the master's expectations. It is to be a beautiful and effective dominion.

In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus instructs his closest followers on the contrast between worldly and kingdom leadership. He reminds them that the typical leadership they experience is harsh and abusive. It overcomes and subjugates its followers. He reminds them, too, that the "great ones" of this world use their power to show that they have power. In verses 43 and 44, Jesus states, "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would first among you must be slave of all."

Jesus turns the common expression and experience of leadership on its head. He defines a powerful form of servant leadership.

In this post, I want to highlight four aspects of a servant leadership profile. A “profile" is a concise biographical sketch. We will use a few simple statements to build out our paradigm sketch of a servant leader. While these four statements are not complete in describing all a servant leader must be, do, or say, it provides a great start.

"We, not me"

Ken Blanchard, author of the The One Minute Manager, is well known for saying these words whenever you hear him present or write on servant leadership. It demonstrates an overall posture of inclusivity. There is a lot of current buzz around the idea of being inclusive. And rightly so. Many people are left out of places of power and significance because of their gender, race, or ethnicity. But being inclusive for inclusivity's sake is pointless. The more grounded idea is built around a common goal or objective that requires everyone's voice and contribution. A good servant leader leads in collaborative ways, understanding that diverse perspectives lead to better decisions and outcomes—when focused on a common objective.

"I work for you; you don't work for me"

This statement reflects the intentional exertion of a leader's energy. Their true work is to orient toward their most precious resource—their people. A good servant leader's energy makes the people around them better. This can translate into words of encouragement, correction, inspiration, or accountability. But the goal is to bring intentional development to every person within their sphere of influence.

"What can I do to help you succeed?"

This aspect of the profile elevates a leader's primary goal—to raise up more leaders. The language reflects the necessary work of the leader to remove obstacles, barriers, and limiting beliefs for rising leaders. This cannot be transactional by manipulating the people around you to make the leader (you) more successful. This question must be genuine and focused on the rising leader's character, competence, and confidence—so they might become a more successful leader in waiting. The direct success of every person is what moves the organization toward overall success.

Serving, not being served

The final perspective in this biographical sketch is predetermining our leadership preeminence. Preeminence is not simply about the rank and supremacy of the leader. A leader's title may demonstrate that they possess more authority than their direct report. This is about what is central—first things. The primary lens is that greatness is about being a servant.

The word "servant" in Jesus' teaching in Mark 10:43 can also connote the idea of a table waiter. A good waiter or waitress does all they can to ensure that those dining have a great experience. If they serve well, they are rewarded. Likewise, we will be rewarded if we serve well those entrusted to our care and influence. I believe you will ultimately see more joyful employees, more significant results, higher retention, and deeper ownership and collaboration toward the mission when serving your team is central.

Do you want to truly lead? Or do you simply want to rule? The practice of servant leadership is not easy, but it is powerful and can lift up others all around you.

Individual or group coaching can be a great pathway toward a more effective servant leadership presence. Click the button below to schedule a 30 minute consultation.

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