To Lead People, Walk Behind Them
A servant leader leads by serving others. Servant leaders place the interests and needs of their followers ahead of their own self-interests and needs. They put others first. One of the qualities of a servant leader is that he thinks “you,” not “me” first. They value the development of their followers, act authentically and build their communities. In other words, servant leadership is living to serve and share. Nothing more, nothing less.
One of the best-known altruistic leaders who have walked on our planet and provided exceptional example of inspirational and servant leadership is Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela. He once said, “I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people.” Another leader who inspired and motivated others to make change not by words but through exemplary actions is George Washington. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
In the American Revolutionary War, during preparations for a battle, a man in civilian clothes passed a corporal who was arrogantly ordering his men to lift a heavy beam. The man stopped and asked the corporal, “Why don’t you help them?” “Sir,” the answer came back indignantly, “I am a corporal!” With a muttered apology, the stranger stripped off his coat and pitched in to help the soldiers.
“Mr. Corporal,” he said, when the task was done, “whenever you haven’t enough men to do a job, call on your Commander-in-Chief. I’ll be glad to help”. With that, George Washington put on his coat and left. The true leaders and heroes of the 21st century and beyond will be servant leaders who walk and work selflessly behind their followers to create change in our world.
Olamide Opeyemi Speaks On ‘The Seed’ At Salimo Leadership Youth Training
Members of Salimo–Wits Leadership Initiative gathered on Saturday 22nd August 2015 for the Youth Leadership Club event at the organization’s national office in Yaba, Lagos. This was the first meeting since the last leadership training programme which was held on August 30th, 2014 in commemoration of the international youth day. The guest speaker and lead consultant, Living Templates Mr. olamide Opeyemi spoke on the seed as the foundation for personal, social, metaphysical and governmental greatness.
According to olamide Opeyemi a seed is something you use to buy the future. Every potential is a seed and every potential has the capacity for greatness. Life is a cycle and every time is a time to sow towards the future. He explained that everything in life runs on principles. He outlined the four cardinal seed principles as the principle of self-discovery, the principle of economy, the principle of environment and the principle of delayed gratification.
The speaker explained that the destiny of a seed determines the appropriate environment for it to be planted, to germinate, to function and to grow into a massive tree of greatness that serves humanity. Olamide Opeyemi conclude his insightful and inspirational session with this statement: “Your life is not about pleasing yourself; it is about love, sacrifice and service. Sacrifice is the shortest route to greatness; refusal to sacrifice makes the journey a very tedious trek.”
The meeting also featured a presentation by an upcoming young entrepreneur, Nonni Michaels (CEO) Learned Creators Limited who spoke about his experiences as a shoe maker and designer during the ‘Sharing of Entrepreneurship Experience’ segment. The training was concluded at 4.10pm with a musical performance by Abikoye Damilola (Dammy Sax). Salimo-Wits Leadership Initiative which is committed to raising visionary and servant leaders organizes inspirational leadership trainings for young Nigerians passionate for national transformation and global impact.
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