I am amazed how little we learn from research, writings, and esperience. All research, writings, and experience conclude that the top-down, authoritarian, "my way or the highway", one-way communication, "know it all", and "never challenge me" style of leadership is futile, ineffective, and absolutely dead. Very few leaders operate this way anymore. However, some leaders persist with this leadership style. Usually if they employ this style, their tenure is short, the organizational morale is low, and employee turnover is high. Needless to say, the style is unbiblical.

In Joshua 1, God says "Moses my servant is dead." After 40 years in Egypt, 40 years on the other side of the desert, and 40 years of leading the children of Israel through the wilderness, God still referred to Moses as "my servant." This is truly a great honor and a term of endearment. What is servant leadership and how does a leader avoid the arrogance of leadership?

A servant leader sets aside personal gain, makes sacrifices, and puts the needs of others above the direction that one might prefer for oneself. He/she leads according to calling, vision, and principles not on position or leadership role. The motivation of a servant leader involves the unleashing of the potential of the followers and the good of the organization. He/she seeks to empower others and focuses on the needs and growth of the ones who are being lead. A servant leader models integrity which is characterized by the fact that the private life and thoughts match the public statements.

A non-servant leader constantly sells himself/herself, leads out of pride and force, and manipulates the followers. The ends are all that are important. The means to the end are not important. People are used and a prideful attitude is manifested. Authority resides in the power of the position and power and control are the strategies for accomplishment.

Leaders succeed that cherish members and speak the truth. Leaders fail who exploit members and practice concealment along with deceit.

In the next blog I will discuss the leadership style of Joshua, refer to some bad models of leadership, and explore a model for pastoral leadership as found in I Peter 5.