Servant Leadership

The topic of this weeks lecture was Servant Leadership, given by Brother Cox. He gave interesting insights, drawing from his experience working with student leaders, serving as a student body officer, and serving as a Mission President. There are several approaches to leadership, which involve different motivations. Some seek power and benefits. Brother Cox told a story of a young man who ran for office because he thought he would enjoy the perks of leadership. However a few months into office, he quit because serving was hard work, unlike what he had expected.

Some people seek the opportunity to serve because they love others and love the feeling they get from meaningful service. In my opinion, these are the most effective leaders. Their genuine and worthy aspirations help them serve as well as they can.Even when things get difficult, they are much more likely to keep working hard, because serving means more to them than just getting some benefits along the way.

I can apply this to my leadership role by realizing what my motivation should be in service. By realizing that effective leadership stems from a desire to serve others, I can love those I serve and better understand their needs.

In my Book of Mormon class we've been discussing King Benjamin's sermon to his people in Mosiah. One key aspect of the sermon that i had not fully understood was how King Benjamin viewed himself as an equal, and a servant to his people. Unlike others in the Book of Mormon such as King Noah and Korihor who sought the praise and riches of the World, King Benjamin truly loved to serve his people. I believe this is what made him such an effective leader.