Some thoughts gleamed from Leadership Dynamics by Greg Morris on Leadership:

Leadership is usually equated with power, position or prestige. And although leadership in the Christian arena has principles and precepts in common to its secular counterpart, Christian leadership is different than secular leadership (or should be). Whether it is in the church, the home or the marketplace, we recognize that there needs to be a marked difference between leadership the world exhibits and leadership exercised by Christians.

What are the characteristics of servant-leadership? Here are some must-have attributes:

1.       Servant-leadership is first rooted in an intimate, passionate  relationship with Christ.

Leadership begins and ends at the same place: a passionate relationship with the Savior. A servant-leader recognizes this is the source of his or her purpose and direction.

2.       Servant-leadership recognizes that leadership is a sacred trust, not a  position of power.

A servant-leader recognizes that the only authority they have is that which others have entrusted to them. This demands the respect for all those within the organization.

3.       A servant-leader recognizes that leadership does not rest in a single person but in many people utilizing their gifts and abilities.

Servant-leaders seek to prepare others for leadership and to be an  effective follower when others are called to step forward. Truett Cathy,  founder of Chick-Fil-A says, "To be a good leader, you must be a good follower. That is the very first thing."

4.       Servant-leadership seeks not to control but to use power to enable others  to grow.

A servant-leader is comfortable with power but chooses to use it to nurture growth in others.  He is deeply committed to the personal, professional and spiritual growth of each and every individual within  the institution. A servant-leader asks, "Are those around me better off, wiser and more likely to become servants because of my leadership?"

5.       Servant-leadership is marked by a servant's attitude.

Servant-leaders think of others - their colleagues, their coworkers, or their employees before thinking of themselves and their desires. It also means they resist the temptation to bring recognition to themselves by focusing attention to the fact that they are serving others.

Servant-leadership is in marked contrast to secular patterns of leadership. But it isn't limited simply to the church or the non profit organization. Servant-leadership is as applicable in the boardroom as in the home room; as effective in the office or factory as in your home. This pattern of leadership may not be easy, but leaders must live by higher standards than do their followers. Is your leadership style characterized by a clear commitment to those around you and to their best interests? That's the mark of a servant and also the mark of a leader!