Page 8 - 2015-08.pub

VIEWPOINT

Servant Leadership Personified

By Michelle Alba Lim, DTM – District Director
Nowadays, we often hear of “servant leaders” or “servant leadership.”
What is the quintessence of servant leadership? What differentiates
servant leaders from other leaders?
In the words of Robert K. Greenleaf (who coined the phrase “servant
leadership”) “The servant-leader is servant first…It begins with the
natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious
choice brings one to aspire to lead…” http://www.greenleaf.org/
Servant leaders make sure that other people’s needs are being served.
Unlike traditional leaders who lead with the “my way or the highway”
approach, servant leaders share power, put the needs of others first,
and truly care for people. They are patient, kind, and humble.
Immediate Past International President Mohammed Murad impresses me as servant leadership personified.
Allow me to share three examples. . .
On the last day of the international convention in Vegas, Pat Lynch and I met Mohammed as he hurried
towards the ballroom. When he learned that Pat wanted a photo with him, without a moment’s hesitation,
he stopped and posed with her. Others crowded around, wanting photos. He graciously obliged. He could
have said “I’m busy” or “I’m in a hurry!” Not Mohammed. He probably had to walk really fast to make up for
lost time!
Last May, I unexpectedly saw Mohammed at the ATD international conference. We agreed to meet for
lunch. Unfortunately, I couldn’t locate him. He walked across the humongous exhibition area to find me.
Instead of looking impatient, he greeted me with a radiant smile.
Some years ago, as a member of Mohammed’s campaign team, I was assigned to download district
performance stats. When I encountered technical glitches, I emailed his campaign manager to let her know.
Imagine my surprise when Mohammed emailed me the stats for my two districts at that time (Founders
and D75). He also offered to help me download any other information that I needed. Wow! How many
other leaders would respond the way that he did?
In my opinion, Mohammed personifies the essential characteristics of servant leaders. He is truly a leader
worth emulating.

“Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact,
influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence
is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you
have to inspire teammates and customers.”
Robin S. Sharma

8 Volume 2 Issue 2 - AUG 2015