Servant Leadership – The Unconventional Approach

Leaders are competitive. We want to always be in the first place. However, contrary to conventional wisdom, we should not be in the first place. Christ-centered leaders demonstrate Servant Leadership and recognize that God should be first. In fact, have you noticed that many behaviors of a Christ-centered leader do not follow conventional wisdom? Some of these behaviors seem impossible to demonstrate if we want to be successful. How then, do we demonstrate the more unconventional behaviors of Servant Leadership?

Let’s investigate a few of these unconventional approaches and how we can model them in the workplace and elsewhere.

1. Turn the Other Cheek

(Luke 6:29)

This does not mean we let others abuse us or use us as a doormat, but rather allow God to be our avenger.

When we run into situations where we are treated wrongly, we should not retaliate in the name of justice. Similarly, standing up for ourselves does not mean telling someone off.

To demonstrate this behavior effectively, we need to be wise, and develop and demonstrate a high level of Emotional Intelligence, especially for handling adverse situations.

2. Give to Receive

(Luke 6:38)

This is one of the laws of reciprocity. Not only do we reap what we sow, but there is an amplification of our return. One seed yields a tree full of seeds. While this is most often used to encourage giving money to the local church, this law is general. It also works for forgiveness, friendship, compassion, and one of our most precious gifts, time.

Servant leaders should think of this behavior beyond finances. We should generously give to others in many ways including coaching, mentoring, and sponsoring.

3. Pray for Your Abusers

(Matt 5:44)

When we pray for our abusers and their dysfunctional behaviors, it helps us to become more compassionate and take away any bad feelings we have towards them. It also frees us up from unhealthy stress. That, in turn, allows God to take control of our situation.

As leaders, that behavior helps us remain fair and just with everyone, including our fiercest critics, and those who want to harm us.  

4. Be a Servant If You Want to Lead

(Matt 23:11-12)

How does a leader truly become great? It’s through the path of humility and serving others. This does not place us beneath them. Being a servant means putting others’ interests ahead of ours by caring for them.

Christ-centered leaders serve by leading from our hearts. Think about it. Would you prefer to follow a boastful and big-headed leader, or someone who empowers you, shows that they care about you, and is empathetic?

5. Love Your neighbor as Yourself

(Matt 22:39)

This is one of the greatest commandments. The love we have for our neighbors, whoever they are, is a demonstration of the love of God in us. This means, treating them as they want to be treated – which is what we want for ourselves.

Loving our neighbor means showing respect and understanding, even to our competitors. There is one caveat to truly demonstrating this behavior. For us to love others unconditionally, we must love ourselves unconditionally. This encourages self-care, self-confidence, and self-worth.

6. Go The Extra Mile

(Matt 5:40-42)

Going the extra mile is not just blindly doing double work. It means exceeding expectations and delivering more than is expected. It’s stretching ourselves to do more than we think possible. It’s about being generous.  

Leaders who go the extra mile behave like business owners to their employers. They take time to not only manage but personally understand their employees and what’s important to them.

The approach of Christ-centered leaders does not follow conventional wisdom and seems impossible to follow and be successful. However, it is really about demonstrating we have a heart for others.  This enables us to compete but play nice and still get ahead. This enables us to lead by serving others.

Empowered Leader Reflection

How do you demonstrate the unconventional approaches of a Christ-centered leader?

I invite you to help us by adding to the conversation in the reply section below.

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