The Benefits of Being a Servant Leader
Being a servant leader isn’t easy. A little while ago, I was teaching a leadership cohort, and one of the Managers asked in regards to a sticky situation, “why do I need to be the mature one”? My response was, “because someone has to”.
Fast forward to today, and I think about all the women I am connecting with across North America and in every sphere of life.
Women who have a deep desire to influence change in their corner of the world. These women hold appointments as Politicians, CEO’s, Ministers, Executive Directors, Small Business Owners, Community League Leaders, and yes, even Single Moms. Women with voices, and who are a deep well for good. Many of the women I connect with share a belief in the notion we can “be better”. Often times it’s connected to faith, and it’s this shared connection we have that lends to creating more safety, security and growth for others.
Something wonderful about these women?? They go about about their work, making things happen - putting aside accusation, fear and bitterness. They are convicted these challenges have no place in leadership.
I woke up this morning to my freshly poured coffee, wondering how it is - women create such meaning for themselves by serving others? And what happens when they are willing to walk through fire to make “stuff” happen.
That is the real meaning of life isn’t it? We all have been given this task of walking through the hard stuff to see if we can get to the other side of it, with more grace than we had the day before, and that can be painful. Some days it may even feel like you’re being seared. It doesn’t matter how difficult the task is, you just keep going.
And eventually you learn to be grateful for the flames…
But, then again, living a life of gratefulness, isn’t enough. Servant leaders know what it means to live by example, putting your feelings aside. You realize helping others find their voice - is your compass. You empower others. Even if it means leaning in to those places no else wants to go. You do it, because you have a servants heart.
I met a gal recently who is highly regarded in her vocation, influential and making real change - affecting peoples lives in tangible ways. Life and death decision making. She was well on her way to retirement, anticipating the enjoyment of a peaceful life with family and running a successful business, but instead she chose to roll up her sleeves and dig in, to take on a public job that includes more responsibility, impacting thousands. She has such poise and grace through it all, in spite of those who would rather she just go away. But she carries on, giving little thought to her herself, and not paying attention to the nay sayers attempting to push her out. It has been inspiring to see her in action - what an example to live up too.
Maybe there are pieces of her story you can relate to..? Bumping up against other people who have different opinions (and ideals) who love conflict, it can be intimidating…fraught with worry - or perhaps not..?
What if you ceased conflict avoidance, and instead faced it? What if angry words bounced off of you, and became as common as the phrase, “please pass the salt” so you could have real conversations?
The benefit of being a servant leader means you recognize your own insufficiencies, and you are humble enough to help others along the way with theirs.
Sometimes people are angry because deep down they are scared, and they behave in unpredictable and broken ways. Maybe you are the change that is necessary, maybe you could stand for what is faithful, true and good.
You can help erase fears, by providing practical effective tools.
Standing against conflict means you have a heart to rise above it for the benefit of all. So keep it simple, access the tools you need, and stand in confidence, because every servant leaders knows, “someone has too”.
