I was recently reminded of an experience with an executive of a large organization who was faced with a challenging decision – a decision that eventually cost the organization a lot of money.
This post is part of the series – What Ever Happened to Personal Responsibility?
Would You Return to Your Organization?
If You’re Not Growing, You’re Dying…Really?
Leaders are the Most Creative People on the Planet
Great Leaders Serve
Is Fear Taking Over?
During discussions about the decision the executive made this revealing off-the-cuff statement – My goal is to survive a presidency.
These few words uttered in a moment of vulnerability informed the entire group that he was most interested in self-preservation.
A high price to pay
In self-preservation mode it’s difficult, if not impossible, to serve others. In self-preservation mode your greatest assets become your greatest threats. And in self-preservation mode we make irrational decisions which have long-lasting consequences.
This executive was cautioned – a decision to follow the majority opinion in this particular instance would adversely affect the growth the organization was experiencing.
It did. In fact, this one decision cost the organization nearly $2 million in lost revenue.
Great leaders don’t make decisions like most people – self-preservation doesn’t interest them. Great leaders have already decided to serve.
Are you going to serve or be served today?
A rare breed
Serving is rarely the first thing that comes to mind when you think of great leadership. Most list vision, passion, systems, goals, success, authenticity, and achievements as components of leadership long before considering service.
And yet the best leaders are servant leaders – willingly placing the needs of those they lead ahead of their own needs, desires, and ambition. (Mark Miller)
It’s true – great leaders serve.
Most people
Most people work hard to fit in. Leaders find mediocrity boring – even repulsive.
Most people are afraid. Leaders are courageous.
Most people aren’t curious. Leaders believe that everything is an experiment.
Most people are not intentionally growing. Leaders grow on purpose.
Most people don’t really like change. Leaders understand that change is at the very core of leadership.
Most people neglect the future. Leaders have huge, daunting, compelling vision.
Most people are consumed by their personal agenda. Leaders serve.
Your life and work are far too important to approach them like most people. In short, leaders aren’t most people.
So roll up your sleeves. Lose the alter ego. And serve somebody. Because you aren’t most people! You are a leader that serves.
Question: How has a leader served you or your team? How did their servant leadership impact you? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
What a great list of what leaders do! 🙂
Thanks Joe.
In Good to Great Jim Collins talks about Darwin Smith, the CEO of Kimberly Clark who pushed the company to sell its paper mills (the bulk of the business) to move into consumer products. When Smith was interviewed about his leadership style around that time, he said two things: 1. He had a soft demeanor but fierce resolve and 2. He never stopped trying to be qualified for the job of CEO.
I think both are key in servant leadership: the executive in this post was in a vulnerable moment and he revealed his self-interest more than the interest of the company. A soft spoken leader like Smith revealed his resolve to build up a company over his own ego. If the leader in question focused on earning the position rather than perserving it, the consequences may have been different as well.
So true Jon – I agree. In fact, I noted a similar thought in a recent post – http://www.michaelnichols.org/longevity-and-leadership/. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Michael, I discovered you on twitter a few months ago. I appreciate your insights and articles such as this one. It’s particularly helpful in my field.
Thanks Neil! I appreciate your kind words. Thanks for connecting!
Thanks Michael for the great post:) I’ve been around both types of leadership and my husband and I have led different groups and definitely being a servant leader the only real way reaching people. That’s the impetus that urges me to follow a leader.To be humble and to share from your failures, mistakes and the things you’ve learned is such a real, honest way to lead. Jesus was such a great example of servant leadership:)
Thanks Lorna. I agree – following servant leaders is more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Good stuff Michael. I teach leadership and management to government employees and you could not be more on point. Leadership is simple, but very difficult – particularly in the government. Believe it or not, there are some really good leaders in local government who are trying to push change in an almost impossible change environment.
They need encouragement and continuous reminder that leaders do serve…even leaders at the lower levels. Too many times we forget/ignore that leadership happens below the C-suite.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you Stephen. Great reminders. Keep up your great work!
This is a great approach David. It’s encouraging to see how this is impacting you and your team. Thanks for sharing my friend.