Jesus is the best example of servant leadership. Although He was God, He became a man to seek and save the lost. He served His disciples, widows, outcasts, diseased, and the lowliest of all criminals. He even served the one that would betray Him, all the while knowing what Judas would do.
It is His example that we are to follow if we are to fully understand what it means to be a servant leader.
When asked by His disciples who was the greatest, Jesus replied, “the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.” (Luke 22:26)
For a servant leader, no task is “beneath” them, because if you see yourself at the bottom, there is nothing below you. This does not mean you have delegated your authority or influence, but rather that you use it to serve those who need it most.
It also means you do things that need to be done, regardless of the hierarchy you have within your organization. Does the toilet need to be plunged? Do it. Does the mess in the break room need to be cleaned? You do it. Whatever it takes, you do it as a servant.
When it comes to your business, this principle also reveals itself in how you treat your most insignificant customers. Make sure to serve the smallest like you would the biggest, because you never know if that small insignificant business is going to grow and become a major industry leader.
So today, look for those you can serve. Ask your employees and volunteers if there is something you can help with. Complete a task they would never expect you to do. Watch and see the good that comes from leading this way.
