The Servant Leader

Well, if you notice that the Blog name has changed from Past Time Always to The Servant Leader. Some may asked why? Relax, and let me explain.

The word Servant Leader, may sound as a contradiction when it is being paired together. How can a servant be a leader or a leader be a servant? Well, think about it, the times when we were takan as boys... forced to run around from tree to tree, pumping like no body's business and scolded and yelled at endlessly. Tough times yeah? Every generation has his or her story to tell about how they went through hardship and stuff.

The definition of Servant: A person hired to perform household or personal services

(http://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/servant)

The definition of Leader: One who leads or guides or is in charge or in command of others

(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/leader)

Well, I was back in Church, yesterday for the first time in 7 months (I guess). It was a really eye-opening (although, I was falling half asleep but manage to stay awake too!!). I was really lost for the past few days in next year's direction and plans as I assume my new responsibilities (I'm NOT gonna become a father yet!). Until Pastor Prince, talked about God creating people so that people could create positions for themselves. He didn't create people to fill up positions.

I understood that part, as in Scouting as well, scouts are being trained to explore and create new opportunities for themselves so as to assume a greater role in the society. Scouts weren't selected to be thrown into one position to do their mandatory duties, just like a robot. I remembered during PLTC 07', I was talking to Pris (then she cried...) about her not joining in for activities, like the other girls. Hey, even those super quiet (if there was any at that time) joined in the fun. She was telling me about them being treated as robots, taking orders and doing it. It really hit me hard, as I couldn't afford to see one junior to face such a problem alone. Well, talked to her about it (including exposing some personal stuff like relationship matters... and then we agreed not to say out anything... next thing I know, the rest of the Sub-Camp knows about it... ARGH!!). I was really tempted to fail her straight away, however, I prayed to God... I asked him to show the kids the way and that changes would be made as the camp progresses along. By the second evening, I was glad I didn't make any harsh decisions. Many may question why I didn't fail her. However, there's one thing I'm sure... she's a girl that has a lot of potential, which have not be reached.

I believe in her, that's all. Well, I guess this part of the blog is gonna be about her again. Haha I'm not in love with her... no worries! She's just an interesting tough nut that I'm glad she did change abit through the camp.

So back to Servant Leader... yeah, Pastor Prince talked about being a Servant Leader... I further re-enforce it by adding in, some of the most common traits of being a leader, such as "Leading by example", "Leading by learning and doing" and stuff like that. To be a good leader, you can lead your man and do good things... To be a great leader, you have to feel like how your man felt and lead your man to do greater things in life. I don't know if it makes sense to some people. But the underlying meaning in layman's term is to put yourself in some one's else smelly shoes!

It's never a shameful thing to lower yourself to do things that your man should be doing. In fact, it's a humbling experience. Some man will find that you're an idiot... since you're the leader, you shouldn't be doing such things. However, the more sensible man will respect you as you are willing to humble yourself down to feel how they feel and doing things together. Of coz', there is always a limit to you humbling down. Do not take it too seriously to help your man that you realised that you have done most of the work and leaving nothing for them to learn and explore from. Help, yet guide and educated.

I guess, that's all for today... if not, it would be a long long blog entry :)