What is the job of a leader? To inspire? To guide? To develop? When we think leadership, we think ‘power over others’. But to lead is best represented when it calls us to serve others. Allow me to introduce you to a not-so-new concept “Servant leadership”. Coined by Robert Greenleaf, a twentieth-century researcher, in this style of leadership the authority figure attempts to promote innovation, empower employees, and assure the well-being of those around them while developing leadership qualities in others. This style requires an individual to demonstrate characteristics such as empathy, listening, stewardship, and commitment to the personal growth of others.
A good example of a servant leader is Dr. Martin Luther King who fought hard for social justice and ultimately sacrificed his own life, not for accolades or personal gain, but because he wanted to help others. Other examples are Abraham Lincoln and Mother Theresa. Empathy, selflessness, good listening skills are just some of the things they have in common and you will need to be a good servant leader.
I recently was introduced to Kevin Korgba, an advocate for real and sustainable development in Africa, who believes that Africa’s future hinges on holistic education and transformational leadership. He also plans to embark on his Ph.D., focusing on a thesis of servant leadership in the context of community and societal development in Africa which made for an interesting discussion on the above topic among many others, such as:
- The solution for Africa
- The chicken-and-egg process of improving Africa’s leadership situation
- The crucial role of the family
“[Your team] can’t go higher than you lead.”
– Kevin Korgba
How true is all this in the African context? Listen to our episode and be enlightened!
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