There are many great role models throughout history that we can study to truly understand key attributes of servant leadership. As you know if you have consistently read my blog, my favorite role model of servant leadership is Jesus Christ.
The Bible clearly articulates Jesus’ leadership style and how he was an extremely effective leader. One of the best things we can learn from Jesus is that servant leaders see “People’’ as opposed to “Obstacles”.
I was talking to a business professional last week, and she was mentioning how her boss saw people as obstacles and distractions as opposed to people. This boss had not taken the time to do any of his people’s performance evaluations, has a habit of not showing up at scheduled meetings with people, and when he does make himself available he dominates the conversation talking about himself as opposed to listening to his people’s thoughts, needs, and dreams. This leader clearly sees people as obstacles.
Jesus modeled just the opposite of this leader. For example in the popular story of the feeding of the 5,000, a large crowd of people had followed Jesus and his disciples late one evening. His disciples saw all these people as obstacles as they wanted some time alone with Jesus so they said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus however saw people and he proceeded to do a miracle of turning a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish into enough food to feed 5,000 people. The people were blessed by Jesus attitude of servant leadership.
At the core we are all self-centered and have a tendency to focus on what is best for us. It is easy to see people as obstacles as opposed to people, when trying to deal with our priorities of each day. When people within your sphere of influence approach you, even though you might be in the middle of a long to-do list, it is important to focus on “Seeing people – Not obstacles!” Take a deep breath, turn to face them, and take the time to listen. They are there to see you for a reason and it’s important to them, thus it becomes worth your time and energy. Your primary role as a leader is to serve your people.
Seeing “People” leads to:
- Deepened relationships
- Empathy & understanding
- Builds trust
- Shows respect
- Builds self-esteem
A key to a servant leader’s effectiveness is his/her ability to build relationships with the people within their sphere of influence. That only happens if you are seeing “People” not “Obstacles”. Let’s all become intentional about following Jesus’ lead on this important aspect of leadership.
Mark Deterding
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had; yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
“You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”
But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:24-34
Mark Deterding believes in being a humble servant leader who is absolutely persistent on driving improvement. He insures clarity of purpose and vision and then creates an environment that will allow for that vision to be effectively carried out. He empowers and develops people to allow them to succeed. For more information about Mark and his programs visit: https://triuneleadershipservices.com
People are people regardless of where you find them. While they may not have the same experiences at a given point in time, they definitely have value. It may be hard to stop completing “tasks”, however when we do momentarily stop we create an opportunity to not just connect with people, but help meet their needs.
David, thanks so much for your excellent insights on the importance of seeing people, and understanding their value. Nothing better than for leaders to always be looking to meet the needs of people within their sphere of influence.
I really enjoyed your blog post about seeing “people” instead of “obstacles.” So many times in our busy days it is easy to grumble when someone distracts us from what we “think” is important. Really, the most important thing of the day are those people who come in. Thanks for the reminder!
Karin, you are right on, as far as what is most important! However we all need the reminder, and need to work on staying intentional about remembering what is truly most important in our days. Thanks so much for the comments!
Mark, I was struck by the parallel between this concept and the diversity / anti-discrimination training I did for a client last week. Along those lines, I’d like to add that servant leaders who see how the differences in people can strengthen an organization — and not be obstacles — are also far less likely to run afoul of the many workplace discrimination laws are on the books.
Tom, that is an outstanding observation! Celebrating diversity and capitalizing on everyone varied strengths and backgrounds will not only lead to high performance, but it is good business practice. As you say, that truly happens when leaders see “people” and not “obstacles”. Thanks so much for this excellent input!
One solution: treat others the way we want to be treated. It’s not a fail safe, but it’s a start toward respect and relationship.
Jane,
Following the “Golden Rule” is a fantastic way to see “People” as opposed to “Obstacles”. Thanks as always for your outstanding insights!!