Servant Leadership Paradox

Servant Leadership Paradox

The paradox, or seemingly contradicting statement of servant leadership, in the context of leadership and management, can only be the idea “You can’t serve, if you lead.” this may look correct at the start, although, when focused on, one can find much truth in this statement.
I found a poem by Brewer, cited by Hansel, Holy Sweat, Dallas Texas, Word, (1987). The last line of this poem “Leading enough to Serve”, rings true to me. It shows while we believe leading is a form of control, controlling the actions and values of others, when you become a great leader, you are actually advancing the training, career, stability, and feelings of value to the organization in the ones you lead. In essence serving the ones you lead.

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		1 Jaap de Jonge Editor, Netherlands
	The Contradiction in 'Servant Leadership' Servant Leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the main goal of the leader is to serve. This is different from traditional leadership where the leader's main focus is the thriving of their company or organizations. A servant leader shares power, puts the needs of the followers (employees, customers, etc.) first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. Servant leadership inverts the norm that the people are working to serve the leader. Instead the leader exists to serve the people.

		1 Matt Rocco CEO, United States
	Myths About Servant Leadsership I have embraced the concepts of servant leadership for over 20 years. The company that I lead has de... Sign up