Servant Leadership 3.0 - Principles of SERVITUDE with precepts (scripture) from Bible, Quran, Tipoitaka, Bhagavad Gita, Grand Sahib, Book of A'quas....(possibly first in the world)

1. Servant Leadership 3.0 – Principles of SERVITUDE
“Is there any revolutionary way of solving many of the world’s problems in leadership?” A
possible answer may lie in applying the principles of SERVITUDE towards the challenges.
What is SERVITUDE? Servitude can be define as “a condition in which one lacks liberty
especially to determine one’s course of action or way of life.” (Merriam – Webster).
What then is servitude in the context of servant leadership? It is about choosing to serve God
and others beyond yourself. It is also about surrendering to God and others to determine one’s
course of action or way of life for the greater good. The following are some principles or
precepts on servant leadership according to the Holy Bible:
Serve: How are servant leaders to view themselves? “Whoever wants to be a leader among you, must be
your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)
Empathy: It is necessary to encourage those you lead. “Motivate by encouragement, not
embarrassment. ‘’Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient
with everyone.” (1 Tess 5:14)
Responsibility: is the heart of leadership, for the leader is the one who respond to God’s call or to the
needs around him. “To those who use well what are given, even more will be given and they will have
abundance.” (Matthew 25:29)
Vision: inspires hope in greater possibilities. Vision inspires obedience and awakens courage. God’s
Word is the primary source for vision and inspiration. “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your
law.” (Psalm 119:18)
Integrity: means living a life that is consist in belief and behavior, in words and deeds. ”And you yourself
must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the
integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” (Titus 2:7-8)
Transparency: You demonstrate transparency by the way you conduct yourself and the way you treat
others. Your words and actions are to be consistent above reproach. “And you yourself must be an
example to them by doing good deeds of every kind.” (Titus 2:7)
Unity: leadership can be define in part as accomplishment through community (and unity, emphasis
mine). “And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had.” (Acts 2:44)
Decisions: How can leaders make good decisions? Leaders anchor all decisions with reverence and
humility to God whom they are accountable. : “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on
your own understanding. Seek his in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Excellence: Trust people who have an excellent reputation and integrity and entrust them with matching
responsibilities. “These men have an excellent reputation, and it was their job to make honest
distributions to their fellow Levites.” (Nehemiah 13:13)
(Acronym: SERVITUDE)

2. Here are some gems from the other faiths and Holy Books:
Of Muslims and the Holy Quran – “The best of leaders among you are those whom you love and love you
in return. They pray for you and you pray for them.” (Muslim)
Of Hindus and Bhagavad Gita – “Strive continually to serve the welfare of the world by devotion to
selfless work one attains the supreme goal of life. Do your work with the welfare of others in mind.”
(Bhagavad Gita 3:19-20)
Of Sikhs and Granth Sahib (Sikh Sacred Scripture) – “Without selfless service are not objectives fulfilled;
in service lies the purest action.” (Adi Granth)
Of Buddhists and Tipitaka – “By holding myself in high esteem I shall find myself in unpleasant realms,
ugly and stupid; But should this (attitude) be shifted to others I shall acquire honors in a joyful realm. If I
employ others for my purposes, I shall experience servitude, but if I use myself for the sake of others, I
shall experience loneliness.” (Shantideva 8: 126-128)
Of Bahais and the Kitab-i-Aqdas – “Love and serve mankind just for the sake of God and not for anything
else. The foundation of your life toward humanity must be spiritual faith and Divine assurance.” (Abdul
Baha, Lights of Guidance, p. 213)
Conclusion: A revolutionary model for leadership is SERVITUDE or SERVANTHOOD. Worldly leaders use
power to get things done for themselves, but godly leaders use power to serve those they are call to
lead and care. Worldly leaders want to be serve; godly leaders just want to serve.
“Servitude – serving others with a godly attitude!”
Date: 3 July 2020