What Defines a Great Leader: Power or Service?
What makes someone a great leader? Is it their ability to command attention, wield authority, or set the agenda? Or is it something deeper? The truth is, great leaders aren’t defined by their power or position but by their willingness to serve. The most influential leaders lead with humility and purpose, not by holding the most authority but by uplifting others around them.
If you aspire to lead with impact and purpose, here’s how you can embody the principles of servant leadership:
1. Listen First, Speak Second
Leadership isn’t about always having the answers—it's about understanding the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the people you lead. The best leaders listen to understand, not just to respond. When you actively listen to others, you create an environment of trust and openness, where people feel valued. So ask yourself: How often do you listen to the needs of your team or the people around you? Making it a priority to truly listen can transform how you lead.
2. Empower Others
Being a leader doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. It means giving others the tools, confidence, and space to succeed. True leadership is about lifting others up. By empowering those around you—whether through delegation, mentorship, or sharing knowledge—you help them grow and develop their own leadership potential. What can you delegate or share to help someone else take the next step in their journey? Empowered teams create empowered results.
3. Lead with Empathy
One of the most important qualities of servant leadership is empathy. Understanding people’s challenges, concerns, and emotions creates a deeper connection between you and those you lead. It’s not enough to know what your team is doing—you need to understand how they’re feeling and why they’re experiencing certain struggles. Empathy allows you to build a culture of compassion and respect. How can you show more empathy in your interactions today? Whether it's offering support during tough times or simply acknowledging someone's effort, empathy strengthens your leadership impact.
4. Stay Grounded in Purpose
Leadership driven solely by power or title is fragile—it fades as soon as the authority does. However, when you lead with a sense of purpose, your influence extends beyond position. Purpose is your why—the reason you choose to lead and the impact you want to have. Power is temporary, but purpose is enduring. Reflect on your leadership: What is your why? Staying grounded in purpose allows you to create lasting influence that inspires others to follow—not because they have to, but because they want to.
Remember…
Leadership isn’t about being on top, it’s about standing beside others, guiding them with integrity, humility, and purpose. The more you serve, the stronger your leadership becomes, and the more people will be drawn to your vision. Power fades, but the impact you have by uplifting others lasts a lifetime.
The best leaders are those who serve, not those who seek power. By listening, empowering, showing empathy, and staying grounded in your purpose, you can lead with impact and create a legacy of leadership that truly makes a difference.
