“To Lead is To Serve,” this statement forms the founding principles of our nation Solomon Islands.
41 years ago our founding fathers saw the importance of servant leadership - a guiding principle for a nation that must now learn to manage its own affairs.
One could argue that the concept of servant leadership is founded on Biblical principles, the humility of Christ was not something hidden; it was a public spectacle that everybody saw and appreciated.
Servant leadership is, therefore, a servant first - leading from a desire to better serve others and not to attain more power. David Burkus, an expert on the subject matter, writes that “if leaders focus on the needs and desires of followers, followers will reciprocate through increased teamwork, deeper engagement, and better performance.”
The following are important quotes for today’s leaders, and perhaps those that aspire to positions of leadership;
Albert Schweitzer
"I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."
Robert Greenleaf
"Becoming a servant-leader begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first… to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served."
Lao Tzu
"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."
Mollie Marti
"A noble leader answers not to the trumpet calls of self promotion, but to the hushed whispers of necessity."
Ann McGee-Cooper
"The true heroes of the new millennium will be servant leaders, quietly working out of the spotlight to transform our world."
Tom Peters
"Leaders don't create more followers, they create more leaders."
Luke 22:26
"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."
To conculde, leading by example is perhaps the greatest lesson we can leave for future leaders - foot washing of the disciples by Lord Jesus implies humility, and advocates the principle that to be great, you must be able to serve others.
Happy Independence Day!