Servant Leaders are known by their actions. Their reputation precedes and follows them.
Consider Timothy, he “takes a genuine interest in your welfare” (Philippians 2:20), for the Lord gives the Christian Servant Leader “an instructed tongue, to know the word… wakens my ear to listen like one being taught” (Isaiah 50:4). Further, “let the wise listen and add to their learning” (Proverbs 1:5), “listen to advice and accept instruction, (Proverbs 19:20) because “a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). Further, “listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding” (Proverbs 4:1) and “hold on to instruction” (Proverbs 4:13), because, “many advisers make victory sure” (Proverbs 11:14). The Servant Leader will want to be aware of Christ’s example who, at a young age, was found three days after his parents left, “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46).
“Christ’s model is clearly servant empowered leadership. Servant leadership cares more about people than the organization,” Don Page in Servant Empowered Leadership.
An Annual Review of a Servant Leader will show positive results achieved by a team. The Christian Servant Leader listens to the Lord, as well as, the people within and without his organization, conducting surveys, focus groups, visitation, interaction with the people, bringing in scholars to teach and instruct. Followers are dedicated, caring workers who put others ahead of themselves. Working for a Servant Leaders is a privilege. The Servant Leader knows your name, remembers birthdays and knows your family, your hobbies and special interests. Time and work productivity is important, but saying ‘thank you’, and finding time to demonstrate God’s love is also available.
Henri Nouwen wrote, “The beginning and the end of all Christian leadership is to give your life for others,” The Wounded Healer. Christ wrote, “the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
Leadership is, listening to, hearing from and caring for others before self.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group