Service Is the Highest Form of Leadership
Why True Leaders Put Others First and How You Can Too
Here's something I've learned over time: Real leadership isn't about power or status. It's not about being the loudest voice in the room or the person everyone fears. True leadership, the kind that changes lives and builds lasting legacies, is rooted in service. It’s about focusing on how you can support and elevate the people around you rather than yourself.
As I mentioned yesterday, I recently read George Raveling’s excellent book, "What You're Made For: Powerful Life Lessons from My Career in Sports," and it reinforced something I've always believed deeply: The most effective and respected leaders are those who genuinely serve others. They don’t command from above—they lift people from below.
Leading Through Service
Servant leadership flips traditional notions of leadership upside down. Instead of seeing their teams as resources or stepping stones, servant leaders view their primary role as supporting, guiding, and empowering their teams. They create environments where people thrive not just professionally, but personally too. Raveling argues that true leadership is inherently selfless, placing the growth, well-being, and success of others ahead of personal gain.
In practical terms, servant leadership means understanding the needs and aspirations of your team members. It means helping people develop their strengths and addressing their weaknesses in supportive ways. Most importantly, it means believing deeply that the success of your team is your own success.
Everyday Acts of Leadership
Servant leadership isn't about grand gestures. Sure, big moments are inspiring, but the most impactful servant leadership happens in the small, everyday acts. These acts aren't flashy, but they build trust, respect, and loyalty.
Think about a time when a leader took a moment to check in with you after a tough day. Or when someone recognized your hard work publicly, not just privately. These moments feel small in the moment but create ripple effects that strengthen teams and organizational culture.
For example, noticing when someone seems overwhelmed and offering practical support—like shifting deadlines or redistributing workload—shows that you prioritize their well-being. Remembering small personal details—like birthdays, family events, or personal goals—shows that you value people as individuals, not just employees. These aren't massive undertakings, but their cumulative impact is profound.
Building a Culture of Service
Leaders set the tone for their teams. When you model service-oriented leadership, you encourage your entire organization to adopt the same approach. Over time, this creates a culture where people naturally support and look out for one another.
Creating this culture begins with you. Regularly ask yourself, "How can I serve today?" Maybe it’s mentoring a team member who’s struggling, offering encouragement when someone seems down, or taking on a tedious task yourself to lighten someone else's load. These actions aren't glamorous, but they’re deeply meaningful.
The Power of Genuine Recognition
One of the simplest yet most powerful acts of servant leadership is genuine recognition. Everyone wants to feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Recognition doesn’t always mean awards or bonuses—it often means simple, sincere acknowledgment.
A leader I admire once said, "The two most powerful words you can say to your team are 'Thank you.'" Those words, when delivered authentically, affirm that you see the effort and care someone puts into their work. Small acknowledgments regularly delivered create a culture of appreciation, motivating your team to continue growing and contributing.
The Selflessness Paradox
Here’s a paradox of servant leadership: the more you focus on serving others, the more influential and respected you become. This isn't because you're striving for influence or respect; it's because genuine service naturally builds trust and loyalty. People follow those who authentically care about their growth and well-being.
Consider leaders like Nelson Mandela or Mother Teresa. Their influence came from their relentless service to others. They didn't seek fame or power; they sought only to improve lives. In doing so, they became legendary leaders, remembered and respected worldwide.
Service as a Daily Commitment
Like wisdom, service isn't a one-time event. It’s a daily commitment. You don't become a servant leader by making one great speech or launching one big initiative. You become one through consistent, thoughtful, everyday actions.
Integrate service into your daily routine. Start your day by considering who might need extra support or encouragement. End your day reflecting on how you served your team. This daily reflection helps you become more intentional in your leadership, ensuring that your actions align with your commitment to serve.
Leadership as Legacy
Ultimately, servant leadership creates a legacy far greater than any individual accomplishment. When your leadership prioritizes service, you empower your team to grow beyond what they believed possible. Your leadership echoes through the lives and careers of those you’ve supported.
Think about your own mentors. The leaders who impacted you most deeply probably didn't do so through authority alone—they impacted you because they genuinely cared. They invested their time, energy, and attention in your growth. They saw your potential, nurtured it, and helped you realize it.
Now it's your turn. Lead with service at the core of your approach. Support your team, elevate their capabilities, and show them you genuinely care. When you do, you'll create a culture that thrives on mutual support, growth, and success.
Leadership through service isn't about lowering yourself. It's about elevating everyone around you—and in the process, becoming a leader whose impact lasts a lifetime.