The concept that leadership is service to others has gotten much coverage in leadership literature lately, but it is still a concept that seems foreign to many people. When I get into discussions about leadership with people, they automatically think of the perks of leadership, power, prestige, and status. But these things are not the true features of leadership. Real leadership involves service, sacrifice, dying to self, responsibility, calculated risk taking, empowering of others, and struggle.
The decision to lead is a decision to take responsibility. Automatically, the leader is asked to take responsibility beyond what others are assuming. That is why I say that often times a leader is asked to carry an "unfair" load. He or she is the one out front hitting the resistance first, clearing the path for the followers to come.
Jesus was, of course, the perfect example of leadership. He came to serve, to show true humility, and to sacrifice for his beloved people. His example towers above the pretenders who try to teach that leadership is stepping on others to get ahead, or power or position. Jesus demonstrated just the opposite. As leaders, we must be willing to serve others before self. This is easier said than done, certainly, but is a source of great joy. In fact, leaders are the happiest when they are serving others. And I believe this grows with the leader.
What do I mean? At first, a new leader might find it difficult to sacrifice their own self interest in the moment for the service of another person. But then they make the sacrifice of time or resources on behalf of another and discover that it brings them happiness. This makes it a little easier the next time. Then, as the leader meets challenges, overcomes their own selfishness and learns to serve others more and more, the opportunities for service grow bigger. And the leader grows bigger at the same time. Eventually, what would have seemed impossibly difficult or imposing is handled by the leader without a pause. The leader’s contribution and impact 
grow larger and more significant. As this process continues, usually the leader’s impact and following expands beyond what he or she ever could have imagined at the beginning. For this reason, the best way to begin growing as a leader is simply to begin serving. Don’t worry about how far the journey will take you or what will be coming against you down the road. Serve right where you are, giving of yourself to the people God brings into your life. Make time for them. Find out what they need. Determine how you can help. Care. Share. Give. Grow. And I think you’ll discover along the way, that the more you serve others, the more you receive in return. It’s one of life’s most beautiful paradoxes, and I hope you enjoy it to its limits (if there are any)!
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