I have been sharing about Servant Leadership for the last few weeks at the Thursday Morning B.R.E.W. (Best Roofing Encouragement Weekly). This week, I talked about what I would call the Definitive Servant Leader Characteristics, a simple group of traits I would expect to see in the lives of servant leaders. Though this list is not meant to be exhaustive, it is a great base to start from. Here’s my list:
Others Oriented – Mark 10:42-45
It’s not about us, it’s about others…unselfish.
Humble Spirit – Philippians 2:3-8; John 13:12-15
Teachable and pliable…can learn from anyone, anytime, anything.
Willing Giver – Acts 20:35
More blessed to give than to receive…not just money but also time, energy, attention, help…
Worthy Example – 1 Corinthians 11:1
Not a perfect example, since we all fall short of that, but one worthy to follow.
Sacrificial Servant – Mark 10:47
Pay the price, go the extra mile, even if it costs us something…or everything.
And last, but not least…
Passionate Purpose – Philippians 3:13-14
The Apostle Paul directed his life towards a single purpose, this one thing I do, he said, I press toward the goal of the high calling of God. And he was very successful at achieving his goal. Servant leaders must want it so bad, that he or she plans and strives every day to serve others. Remember, you can only get ahead by making sure you are helping others get ahead!
I have officiated and/or attended many funerals. At some, just a few persons will show up. Sometimes it is because family and friends live far away but, many times, it’s due to the fact that the deceased’s life was spent focused on themselves. For others, and one I remember vividly, hundreds will show up at a small funeral home, filling up the place with people, overflowing to the parking lot and creating a traffic jam. Such was the scene at my dad’s funeral…a man who spent his life serving others.
Would we not want our life to have that type of positive impact on others? Let’s do something about it now. A leader who is a sacrificial servant with a humble spirit and a passionate purpose to be others oriented, a willing giver and a worthy example…Let us be that person!
Caring in the Workplace, as a Senior Certified Chaplain with Corporate Chaplains of America
my morning b.r.e.w. 
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