A friend once asked me what a servant leader is. At its core, servant leadership is about having actual authority but choosing not to impose it on others. A true servant leader influences through character, wisdom, and a sincere commitment to serving others. Rather than leading through coercion, they lead by example, with humility and care.
Actual authority is key. For example, someone with documented authority, whether in the public or private sector, holds formal power. Yet, a true servant leader does not rely on their rank to command respect. Instead, they lead in a way that inspires others to follow voluntarily. Their authority is not just in their title but in their integrity, competence, and the way they treat those under their care.
Unfortunately, there are self-proclaimed servant leaders who lack real authority yet demand unquestioning obedience. These individuals use the language of service to mask authoritarian tendencies, expecting others to submit without having demonstrated the qualities that make leadership legitimate. They crave the respect and obedience of leadership but refuse the responsibility of truly serving. If someone has to remind you of their leadership position, they are not a servant leader.
The difference between a true servant leader and a counterfeit one lies in how they handle authority. The real servant leader does not seek power for its own sake but embraces the weight of leadership as a means to uplift others. Their influence is not forced; it is earned. The false leader, on the other hand, insists on obedience without earning trust, mistaking control for leadership.
True servant leadership is rare because it requires deep personal sacrifice. It is not about titles or recognition but about responsibility, stewardship, and a willingness to put others first. Those who lead in this way leave a lasting impact—not by demanding followers, but by inspiring others to walk alongside them.
