I have been following one of the Linked In group sites and there is a discussion currently about the nomenclature "servant-leader." Is this term politically correct? Is there a better way of saying this without using the word "servant"? My first thought in response to these questions is "politically correct to whom and who defines and decides what is politically correct?" And then secondly, what is wrong with the word "servant" which simply means "one who serves." I will not address my first thought as that would put me on a soap box and that is not the purpose of this blog. What I want to discuss is the meaning of the word "servant."
If you look at my previous blog (way back on November 30, 2010) I defined servant-leadership and it's origins. To be a servant-leader is to focus on the growth and development of individuals and organizations. A servant-leader uses collaboration, trust, communication, compassion, and the ethical use of power to lead and serve others better.
There are many kinds of leaders in this world but I believe the highest honor and most honorable leader is the servant-leader. A servant-leader is not self-serving but serves others to help them achieve their highest potential as individuals, as a unit, as a church, as a business entity.
Over the past two decades (for recent recall) and throughout history there are numerous examples of leaders who were self-serving and not focused on the needs of their stakeholders. Ultimately the end result is never good. There are unfortunately too many businesses, financial institutions, and even governments which have collapsed because the leader or leaders became more concerned with their own personal advancement (leading to greed, lust, and other "deadly sins") than the needs and expectations of the stakeholders they were put in place to serve. Outside of a monarchy such as Great Britain, few of us come into leadership roles without the help of others. Generally we must earn the right to lead through the development of trust and by building relationships, through our reputation, knowledge, and experience. We have to work to earn a leadership position/role and then remember why we are in that role...to serve those who helped us attain our position. As leaders we are there to serve those who look up to us with trust; who expect we will have their best interest in mind and will act accordingly.
Leaders of businesses are there to serve their customers. Without customers there is no business; no one keeps us in business like our customers. Men and women of the military "serve" their country, they are servant-leaders. Politicians are voted into office to serve their constituents. (I see politicians as falling into two general categories...those who truly step forward to serve and those who seek the recognition and power for personal gain, hopefully the second category do not last long and will be voted out of office.)
I personally find the term servant-leader to be very descriptive of the type of leader I admire and want leading me, my organization, my church, and my country. It is both an honor and a privilege to be a servant-leader. I believe that our God-given purpose in life is to serve others and help make this world a better place for everyone. Serving others is not self-sacrifice and a life of poverty but fulfillment and an enriched life by making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Politically correct? I think so. Is there a better term or way of presenting this leadership style, I think not. Now if there were only more "leaders" of industry, organizations, and countries that would embrace this style of leadership and lead with a servant's-heart...now that would make a difference for all of us!
