Who do I think of when asked about leaders I know? The first people that come to mind are my hānai parents. (Hānai is a Hawaiian term that refers to an informal adoption of people.)I had the opportunity to work for Mark and Pam Thompson as their live-in nanny for nine years. During my time in their home, I witnessed leaders in action. The two would look for ways to serve others. If they saw a need, they would find a way to meet the need. Whether it was providing food for a family or taking in someone who needed a place to stay, they did what they could to serve others.
Decades later, this couple continues to live a life as servant leaders. As noted by Dr. Ann Liberman (2015), "leadership happens by doing" (19:04). I'm not sure if Mark and Pam Thompson set out to be leaders, they simply responded, and continue to respond, to the needs of others. And, because of their leadership, I am inspired to follow suit. As a teacher, I do what I can to take on the same attitude and continually look for ways to serve my students.
You said "I'm not sure if Mark and Pam Thompson set out to be leaders, they simply responded, and continue to respond, to the needs of others." This resonates with me! I feel that the best leaders are the ones who are simply doing what they can to help others.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Anne in that best leaders do what they do to help others. From experiences I have witnessed individuals who are really only after a leadership title with no desire to genuinely help others and they end up doing more harm than anything else.
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