Leading or Misleading?
When we look at the history of humankind, we see a staggering trail of wars, suffering, and destruction. It’s enough to convince anyone that humanity is a violent species, bent on harming or dominating others. But is that truly the case? Are we naturally inclined to wage war and cause pain? Or could it be that, at our core, we are inherently good and compassionate beings? Perhaps we are driven by a divine imprint, a love-filled nature that makes it hard for us to imagine there are those who deliberately deceive and exploit us.
Could it be that the leaders we choose convince us that war, death, and poverty are unavoidable parts of human life? If so, why do we so often fall for their narrative? And most importantly, can it be different?
Leaders Through History
History is rich with both cruel tyrants and benevolent leaders. The good leaders inspire admiration, but the tyrants beg the question: why do we choose them? Why do we, time and again, empower those who later reveal themselves as despots? Is it a failure of discernment on our part, a collective inability to separate genuine leaders from self-serving opportunists?
Our current leaders often seem to prioritize their own agendas over the well-being of humanity. They fail to protect the vulnerable, support the needy, or fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. Are we doomed to repeat history’s lessons, enduring the consequences of poor choices time and again? Or is it a karmic cycle we willingly choose?
The Servant Leader: A New Paradigm
Is it possible to elect leaders who genuinely serve humanity’s well-being? For centuries, philosophers, poets, and thinkers have debated what makes a good leader. Socrates advised: “Let him who would move the world first move himself.” Shakespeare mused: “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Robert K. Greenleaf, a modern advocate of servant leadership, stated: “The servant-leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.”
These reflections suggest a unifying idea: the greatest leaders are those who have achieved personal growth and self-awareness through life’s lessons. Such individuals can inspire others to discover their own greatness.
From Barren to Bountiful: The Psychology of Change
Just as experiments in the Sahara have shown that barren deserts can be transformed into fertile land, so too can the latent greatness within humanity be unlocked. This transformation begins with embracing our divine potential. The journey of life, with all its challenges, is the training ground that shapes us into resilient, character-driven individuals—ready to fulfill the role of the servant leader.
Once prepared, the servant leader begins their mission: to guide others, nurture their potential, and foster an environment where everyone can thrive.
How Servant Leadership Transforms Society
A servant leader creates the conditions for growth. They act as mentors, coaches, and guides, employing empathy, feedback, and attention to motivate and inspire. Their tools include:
- Reward and Recognition: Encouraging growth by valuing contributions.
- Conflict Mediation: Building bridges and fostering unity.
- Vision and Creativity: Navigating complex situations with foresight and innovation.
Such leaders don’t merely solve problems—they transform societies. Think of figures like John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, or Martin Luther King Jr. Were they not servant leaders, embodying these ideals? Or perhaps even Jesus Christ? Consider who in today’s world fits this mold. Does Donald J. Trump come to mind?
The Paradox of Servant Leadership
Parenting offers a powerful metaphor for servant leadership. We raise our children not to keep them dependent but to help them surpass us. A servant leader, like a loving parent, seeks to empower others to become healthier, wiser, freer, happier, and more independent—even if it means being surpassed in greatness.
What impact would such leaders have on society? How many lives would be transformed as untapped talents found fertile ground to flourish?
Moral Authority: Leadership by Example
Children naturally imitate their parents, absorbing their values and behavior. A servant leader, aware of their role model status, leads by example, earning trust and respect through integrity and authenticity. Without seeking it, they become a moral authority—a beacon others wish to follow. The servant leader’s crowning moment is seeing those they serve exceed them in greatness.
The Ultimate Goal
Without purpose, life feels aimless. Why are we here? Where were we before we were born, and where do we go when we leave this world? These timeless questions shape the human experience. A servant leader reminds us of our divine origins, pointing the way back to the Source and inspiring us to live with purpose and meaning.
References
- James W. Sipe and Don M. Frick, Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership, Paulist Press, 2009.
- Robert K. Greenleaf, The Servant as Leader, Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership.
- Wyke Potjer, “De Grote Groene Muur van Afrika,” HetKanWel, February 2, 2019.
