In Good Business: Leadership, Flow, and the Making of Meaning, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi writes, "A leader will find it difficult to articulate a coherent vision unless it expresses his core values, his basic identity...one must first embark on the formidable journey of self-discovery in order to create a vision with authentic soul." Embarking on the formidable journey of self-discovery is the part of leadership that is most lacking. When this class was given in leadership school, I believe many of the students decided to cut class that day. Let's face it, it is the journey least traveled. Being a leader isn't simply about ordering subordinates about and making major decisions. It is about setting the example of servanthood. Ouch!
I end all my blog posts with to lead is to serve. The true leader serves, motivated by loving concern rather than a desire for personal glory. To be servant is to know who you are deep down to your core. It is knowing that you and your team are divine expressions created and valued for a divine purpose. Servant Leadership is not doormat leadership, but authentic leadership. To be a servant leader is to treat others with worth and value, to set healthy boundaries for people, and to set the example of integrity and character. True leaders attain these attributes through the tests, trials and the journey of self-discovery.
To lead is to serve,
Coach Carolyn
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