I was asked the following question this week: “Is it possible to drive a culture of servant leadership within an organization when the top leader is 
not committed to servant leadership?” That is a great question, and one that unfortunately is pretty common in many organizations.
I believe that any leader can have a significant impact on their area of influence within an organization when they are committed to serving their people, as well as the purpose, vision, and values of the organization.
It is always easier to gain traction when the top leader within an organization is on the same page with a culture of servant leadership. However it is not necessary for a leader to succumb to, and emulate an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, when that is what top leadership is most comfortable with.
Leading from a standpoint of positional authority, fear, and intimidation is the easy way to lead. That is why you see it so prevalent in organizations. However that type of leadership will not lead to an engaged team, and high performance over an extended period of time.
Servant leaders are passionate about a greater purpose than themselves and the development and advancement of their people. Servant leaders have courage, and they are committed to doing the right thing, leading in a manner that is appropriate with their values of service and love. Having the courage to buck the trend of a culture of fear and intimidation can lead to:
- Enhancement of trust with your team
- A positive impact and model for those people within your sphere of influence
- A positive example for the rest of the leaders in the organization
- Positive energy for the organization
- A possible paradigm shift in top leaders
I absolutely believe that a servant leader can positively impact the rest of the organization, even top leadership, by setting an example of service and love that will lead to positive results in their area of responsibility. It is definitely worth the effort!
Mark
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:25-28
There’s something different when people see you serving with no hidden agenda – it undoubtedly influences.
Thanks for the excellent and timely article about servant leadership. When leaders genuinely show respect for the people we lead, that respect acts like a magnet to draw mutual respect back to the leader who is showing it. Mutual respect is a basic foundation for sustaining peak performance. Thank you again…
I agree wholeheartedly Mark. I have been in this type of situation and know for a fact that servant leadership works regards of the ideas and practices of uppler lever leadership. Jesus also proved the point as shown in the passage you quote above.
Keep the Quest Alive!
Servant leaders need to give up control of time and learn what can be expected as a result of time management.
You cannot grow an apple tree overnight. God intended for this tree to grow through storms and drought. When the tree has passed through enough trials as well as celebrations, its branches are strong enough to carry the weight of hundreds of pounds of apples.
Growing a strong team takes time. Jesus worked with his disciples for three years. They weathered many storms and trials but they also shared in celebrations. By the time of His ascension, they were ready to take on the ministry for which they had been prepared and literally branch out.
Like Jesus, servant leaders must give up short cuts. Servant leaders need to see the value of the small signs of growth. Servant leaders need to know what it means to be pruned of useless efforts and to prune similar efforts when needed. Finally your reward is that you have a team that is able to produce results with a minimal amount of your help since they have achieved what they were intended to create, real productivity with fruitful outcomes that serve many people.
Thanks so much to all of you for your fabulous feedback on this topic. I really appreciate your insights on the importance of mutual respect and looking to Jesus as the ultimate model for servant leadership.