"Bugle Notes" - "Ten Commandments of a Servant Leader"

      

   

I have seen great leadership and bad leadership. As a leader, I have also made my share of mistakes and I am sure I will make more. When I do, I will immediately take ownership of it, learn from it, and do all I can to not make the same mistake. However, there will be times I may not recognize my failure as can happen with any leader. This points to something critically important - leaders need to be held accountable.

My leadership style is that of a servant leader inculcated in me from my earliest days at West Point. A number of years ago, I created what I call my “Ten Commandments of a Servant Leader”. These Ten Commandments are based upon life experiences with lessons learned and wisdom found, as well as my personal faith journey. At the end of each week, I will go down a checklist of these Ten Commandments to see if I met them, thus holding myself accountable. My “Ten Commandments of a Servant Leader” are:

      -  People are your most precious resource; take care of them

2.     -  “Clothe yourself with humility”

3.      - Eat and sleep last (Your people’s needs come before your needs)

4.      - “Open wide your heart” (Being transparent)

5.      - Trust is the foundation of all relationships

6.     -  Make a difference each day, one life at a time

7.      - Encourage, teach, and mentor every chance you can

8.     -  Every day is a good day, and some days are better than others! (Having a positive attitude)

9.     -  Listen more and talk less

10  - Learn to follow

Andy Lamb, MD

                             “If serving is below you, then leadership is beyond you.”

                                                                                           Anonymous