quotable quotes: leader as servant

I have VERY strong opinions about how a leader should conduct themselves...and what a leader should not do. Max Dupree has a quote that summarizes my view of a good leader:

"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant."   ~ Max DuPree

There are far too few leaders who lead in this way - serving their team, acknowledging their efforts, looking out for others interests above their own.  There are too few individuals who live their lives in this way.

Since returning to America, I have noticed the culture fosters a belief that we MUST look out for ourselves. We MUST get ours before someone else gets theirs. It is prevalent in business, as well as personal relationships. It is unfortunate as I believe the service in between is the most important part. The service in between is what produces true influence. The service in between is what changes the world.

just Sheri, noticing the value of servant-leaders