“To command is to serve, nothing more and nothing less.” – Andre Malraux
One of my all time favorite quotes that all leaders need to be reminded of time and time again… it is SO not about you!
Reading this AM from Acts and pondering the concept of servant leadership. Have you ever thought about Barnabas? Barnabas was perhaps one of the uber-servant leaders…he initiated and performed whatever was required to raise morale, men, or money. He led with clarity and by example, he considered no task too small…
Barnabas was a networker… a connector. The little history that remains suggests he was a Jewish Levite from Cyprus with a multi – cultural and maritime exposure. He networked Paul to the early Christian church. Paul, the greatest influencer of the New Testament had his way paved by Barnabas… After Paul was accepted, Barnabas and Paul teamed up to become the most influential leadership teams of the Christian faith.
In the Maxwell Leadership Bible, John Maxwell notes–Barnabas had:
Nothing to prove: He didn’t have to play games. He never sought the limelight. When he mentored Paul, he happily let the emerging leader rise above him.
Nothing to lose: Barnabas didn’t have to guard his reputation or fear that he would lose popularity. He came to serve, not to be served. This enabled him to focus on giving….not getting….
Nothing to hide: Barnabas didn’t maintain a facade or image… he remained authentic, vulnerable, and transparent. He could rejoice with others in their victories.
It is all about service… AND not about the position or title…
Acts 22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Mastermind Century Group 
What a timely post for me. The message of your post has inspired me as I go into my afternoon, as I am going into a meeting where these values and virtues will become quite important to possess and extol. Thank you!
Thanks for the comment Dale…something we have been pondering here and working into our vision, glad to add value…can’t tell you how much we appreciate you letting us know it matters.
Bill..fantastic examples!! I have heard it said that you can tell a great leader by the number of great leaders he has/is developing, not the number of followers. Barnabas did not consider himself indispensable. Even more, he saw the bigger picture of spreading the gospel and realizing that would take leaders that would replace him. Such a great post Bill. It is exactly what the leadership development company I am with teaches. God bless.
Thanks Gene… funny how things play.. posted the quote and then read Acts a little bit later and was just taken back…something that we have tried to push in all commands… it is all about the followers and developing the future. Working some new concepts at work right now…slow going at times, but this is indeed something we are very passionate about here. Will post parts of the proposal as we flesh them out. Always appreciate your thoughts and input Gene…thank you
BILL
AMEN! Servant leadership is a trait to admire and emulate…very much appreciate the appropriate perspective Boss!
Thanks Tork: and you model it extremely well..
Such a great post! It’s easy to forget that our leadership is not about us or even the mission we are executing. It is about the people we are leading.
Thanks Curtis…its all about the people we serve….