Shining the Light of Servant Leadership: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.” 

Today we celebrate MLK Day and the profound impact Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had on the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and our world as a whole. Dr. King's light shined in our world in the 1950s and 1960s through his message of love, equality, and service. He worked tirelessly to ensure that all people, regardless of race, were treated with dignity and respect. He inspired others to join the movement and his leadership helped bring about significant changes in laws and attitudes towards race relations in the United States.

Sadly, he would lose his life in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 39. He was struck by a bullet on his way to dinner. He was in Memphis to support sanitation workers on strike. His was a life given and a life lost in the service of others… 

I find myself reflecting on this great man and on his leadership. Dr. King's legacy is not marked by title, wealth, or ego; but he lived his life in humble servanthood. Dr. King understood that true leadership is about serving others and working towards a greater good and a higher calling. Dr. King models the way for all of us who have accepted the privilege of leading others.

Four Key Attributes of Servant Leadership

Dr. King shines the way for us as a servant leader. Here are four key attributes of his leadership that we can aspire towards:

Selflessness: Dr. King put the needs of others before his own. He worked tirelessly in the fight for civil rights, equality, dignity and respect. 

"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

Empathy: Dr. King had a deep understanding of the feelings and experiences of others. He was able to connect with people from all walks of life and was an effective communicator.

"I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be."

Integrity: Dr. King was a man of conviction and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society. He stood up for his beliefs, even when it was difficult.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Visionary: Dr. King had a clear vision. He had the ability to inspire and motivate others towards a common goal.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Dr. King's light continues to shine in our world today. He serves as a reminder that true leadership is about serving others and is characterized by selflessness, integrity, empathy, and a vision that inspires others towards a common goal, a common good, and a higher calling. 

May we, like him, strive to shine light to our world. May we, like him, humbly serve.

BGabs