Redefining Leadership: From Authority to Service
“Leadership is not just about outcomes, its about people”
During my MBA studies, in a management course, we were asked to choose and read a book on leadership. I selected The Servant, not because I fully understood its message, but because it stood out. I had never considered that servitude and leadership could coexist.
At the time, I didn’t realize how transformative that choice would be. That book would go on to shape how I define leadership and influence the core values I carry with me today.
The story unfolds through the lens of a business executive attending a retreat, where he encounters a monk who challenges everything he believes about leadership. Through this narrative, you are guided on a journey that redefines leadership, not as authority or control, but as a commitment to serve others.
In the early stages of our careers, we are often taught to support our managers and execute delegated tasks. But as we grow into leadership roles, the paradigm shifts. Leadership is no longer about being served, it’s about serving others.
And yet, many approach management as a position of entitlement, an opportunity to be supported rather than to support. In my experience, that distinction is what separates managers from true leaders.
True leaders cultivate environments where:
The vision is clear
People believe in that vision
Individuals understand their unique contribution
They create spaces where people are not only valued, but feel valued. Spaces that challenge and stretch individuals, while also uplifting and supporting them.
But at its core, leadership begins with a simple, yet powerful foundation: a commitment to serve.
Effective leadership requires us to continually ask ourselves:
How can I best serve those I lead?
Do they have the resources and tools they need to succeed?
Am I creating an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and psychological safety?
Am I supporting their growth in a way that aligns with their strengths?
Leadership is not just about outcomes, it’s about people.
It’s about recognizing that behind every role is a human being with potential, aspirations, and a journey that we are privileged to influence.
As leaders, we carry the responsibility not only to drive results, but to nurture growth, cultivate well-being, and create environments where others can thrive.
Leadership transcends titles and compensation. It is a calling, one that requires intention, humility, and a willingness to serve.
#packlight
Candii