THE SERVANT-LEADER 2

Hi, it’s Blog O’Clock once again! I know this was meant to come yesterday, but again, I defaulted, and I sincerely hope you’ll pardon me. It’s been quite a busy past few days that has gotten me going to bed around 8pm, which is very unusual, and I couldn’t even fight it🥺.

Smiles, I wasn’t ill, but the rest was just really needed. The power outage also did its bit, hence the reason you have this late post, but I wasn’t going to give up or let this week go without sending you a note. How has the past week been for you? In all, please take the time out to get your much-needed rest. Don’t wait until your body demands it by force!

Sometime in 2023, precisely on the 26th of April, I dropped a post titled “The Servant-Leader” on this same blog. I had to give that opening because someone might be wondering how or when they mixed out on part 1 or how we came about today’s title with a ‘2’. Smiles, you did not miss your way, you’re right where you should be☺️.

When I wrote that post, ‘The Servant-Leader’ was viewed from the lens of someone who is not necessarily sitting at the helm of affairs, but is however important to the smooth running of the circle in which they find themselves. They might not be the ones giving directions or anything close to it, but then they contribute in their own little or big way to make sure that the body they belong to is not divided.

In that post, I referred to the movie ‘ENOCH’ that was released in 2023; the biopic of one of the fathers of faith in Nigeria and even globally. There was a particular character from whom we drew lessons that could relate to the post, a character who we might not really have paid much attention to while watching the movie because the spotlight was not so focused on him.

He is no other than Pastor Olukowajo (as was mentioned in the movie). I bet you saw ‘Enoch’ that year, but right now, you can’t even picture who that is. I guess this is your cue to see the movie again. And if you haven’t seen it before, YouTube is always to the rescue! Also, remember to catch up on the thoughts I shared concerning the character in ‘The Servant-Leader’ post by clicking here.

Almost two years later (that post was also written in April, coincidentally), this is me writing a sequel to the post as we return to check the essence of a Servant-Leader through the lens we are mostly used to, the one who manages all that goes on within the Organization.

While the concept is not new to us and we usually are aware of the qualities of a good leader, we sometimes become so familiar with retaining the knowledge in our heads but yet fail to effectively put those qualities into practice. Hence, this new drive and reminder is needed, and the aim is to stir us towards making these qualities a part of us, and an integral part of our dealings and interactions with people.

As we already know, Leadership is about Service, first to God and then to humanity. As a Servant-Leader, you must see your position as God-given, an opportunity gifted to you to partner with God and be a part of what He is doing in your Generation. Learn to mirror your Master in your style of leadership, Hw would always refer to ‘the One Who sent Him’.

In case you thought you got the seat by merit or hard work, while you might be right, I dare say to you that it is not totally true. Do you know how many more people could have that seat, but the grave called out to them instead? They were equally qualified, but they were not given a chance to show how qualified they were. Therefore, see leadership as a privilege and spend your time operating and discharging your duties as such.

Never forget that leadership is about inclusiveness! You have been given an opportunity to manage a group of people, each coming from different backgrounds and with different experiences which have shaped and moulded them into who they currently are. Knowing this, you must ensure that you create a safe environment that allows everyone to feel valued.

If these people have been committed to your care to nurture, ensure that you do the work. You might see rapid changes in some than in others, try not to be discouraged. Extend grace to all, give words of commendations, as well as words that nudge people in the right direction. Even when the criticisms are necessary, ensure that they are done in love and in a way that will bring about the right and desired result rather than damage.

I wouldn’t forget to remind you that being a Servant-Leader is also about getting involved! While you might be there to oversee things, it is important that you also set a good example by getting involved and showing the House how it’s done. You are not just there to call the shots or give orders, you are there to lead by example, which sometimes might involve putting your hands to work.

While setting the example, your hands could get dirty. When I say this, I mean you are doing the right thing and not involved in anything shady. As you involve yourself, you can relate better with your people and also come down to their level. You also get to better see and attend to their needs. These little actions are memories that will last in their minds and even be passed down in history to other people coming after them, even though you might not be aware you have made such an impact.

Be informed that your position is not to make you feel or look good, rather, it is placing the destinies of people into your care and trusting you to serve and nurture them well. As a Servant-Leader, you are a KINGMAKER– you are providing guidance to not just ordinary people, but people who are bigger than they currently are, whether they know about it or not.

Therefore, you have to see their greatness and start calling it forth even though they might currently not have seen it or look anything like it. You have to challenge them and stir them in the direction of what you have seen about them till they also come into that reality. Even when their actions negate who they have been called to be, do not give up on them.

If it takes bending your knees and calling their names in prayer, get it done! If it takes going over the instructions and orientations again, don’t get tired! If it takes giving assignments, deadlines, and corrections, keep it going! As you do this, someone’s success story is being written, a success story that features you as one of the characters that made it possible. You are playing your part to fulfill a responsibility that you will account for when the time comes, whether you are recognized here or not.

Servant leadership takes being secure enough and giving sufficient room and resources needed to allow people to grow to their fullest potential. It is giving people the opportunity needed to spread their wings and fly, as well as pointing them towards progress. Their growth should be your joy and a testament to the fact that your work is being established. Keep rooting for them!

While reading the post, did you see any area where you are doing well? Also, were you able to point to those things that you need to work on as a leader? If so, don’t judge or condemn yourself! Rather, take this as your chance to right the wrongs and do better.

Here’s our stop for today! Trust me, I learnt as much as you just did, and I believe we would start to practice excellent leadership in any capacity we find ourselves in, no matter how basic or large. Don’t forget to share your lessons with me, I will always be glad to read them. Till next time, keep fulfilling your assignment, Dear Servant-Leader!❤️📌