Leaders as Servants

CHIRDEEP S BAGGA





Leadership is often associated with power. Today , the term has acquired negative connotations, particularly in politics. One has come to question the relative importance of being recognised as a “leader“ when what we sorely need are individuals who both lead by their service and example and follow the universally accepted principles of responsible living.We are beginning to see that traditional autocratic and hierarchical models of leadership are slowly yielding to a newer model. This model -of leaders as servants -will simultaneously enhance the personal growth of the led and improve the quality of our institutions through a combination of individual and community teamwork in decision-making infused with ethical and caring behaviour.
Servant-leadership is a practical philosophy concerned with the ethical use of power and authority . Servant-leaders believe that power and authority are for helping others grow, not for ruling, exploiting or gaining advantage by setting individuals or groups against one another.
Servant-leadership advocates a group-oriented approach to analysis and decision-making as a means of strengthening institutions, and of improving society . It also emphasises the power of persuasion and consensus over the old “top-down“ form of leadership. Some liken this to turning the hierarchical pyramid upside down, so that in the mind of the servant-leader, the needs of his or her employees, customers, constituents and community become the most important reason for a company's existence.