From Where We Sit: Timely Thoughts from Kathy and Liz. March 28, 2022

“A wise man will cultivate a servant’s spirit, for that particular attribute attracts people like no other.”

This week I want to revisit Andy Andrews’ book The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success. Decision number two is to seek wisdom and to have a servant’s heart.

I want to share a story of witnessing true leadership and a servant’s heart. As part of a pact with myself for 2022 I decided to take some risk and open myself to new people and experiences. In the spirit of this resolution, I auditioned for a play through the community theater. Miraculously I actually got a part in an upcoming show.

Now, stay with me. This is not a story about me but about the show’s director, Brandon. I am so impressed with Brandon’s leadership. We block every new scene before we ever say a word from the script, we take time to talk about what is going on and why this scene is important to the show. We talk about the era the show is set in and conventions of the times. During rehearsal when he isn’t feeling it from us, he will ask what we think is the characters motivation for saying this. He doesn’t inflict what he thinks the motivation should be, he helps us find the answer ourselves. Watching experiencing the way Brandon leads makes you want to show up, to do your best and make him proud. He has our best interests at heart. This is true servant leadership.

How do you describe a servant leader?  What does this form of leadership mean? According to Rebecca Herman, Graduate Professor of Leadership at Purdue University Global, a servant leader “focuses on the growth and well-being of employees and other stakeholders in their organization. Servant leaders seek to help the people they serve grow as individuals. If they are growing, then they desire to perform and achieve.”

I hope that you all witness servant leadership or even better have a chance to practice the skills of putting others first and helping them grow. Sometimes finding wise leaders with a servant’s heart can feel like searching for a unicorn. I assure you they exist and when you find a great one watching them work can be a beautiful experience.