Should Leaders Serve or Be Served?

Leaders inspire growth and change in the people around them. Do they do this by serving or by being served? Let’s explore the differences in this article.

What is your 100% and how do you integrate it into your life?

Managers Vs Leaders 

Many people identify as leaders when they are actually managers. The difference between the two is what they focus on.  

Managers focus on specific tasks and trying to achieve them in the most efficient way.  

Leaders focus on serving people, empowering them, and building a legacy.  

Both are necessary in an organization but fill very different roles.  

The Changing World 

The world is consistently changing and as leaders we have to adapt. Whether it is AI coming filling a role you once filled or new technology improving the way you do things.  

Leaders do not have all the answers, and those who try to always fail. Instead, leaders empower others with the knowledge.  

If your goal as a leader is to be load and in front, then you are not a true leader. Rather focus on serving others and empowering them to use their expertise to help the organization.  

“The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few.” 

Servant Leadership 

Empowerment comes through service. By serving others, you help to build their confidence and skills, allowing them to take the lead. As we have discussed before, leaders need to create mini leaders in their organization. This all begins with service.  

All the true visionaries and transformative leaders of our time have all served the people around them, and in turn those people built their movement.  

Start Small 

If you are a young, aspiring leader then start with serving now. Serving does not have to be big and loud, but rather focused on doing good. Volunteering is a great way to start serving and will help you as a leader to learn new skills that could help you as you grow.