Considering the complexities of leadership, I have found myself for the past several years pondering the profound truth that the purpose of true leaders is to create more leaders. Throughout my journey in life, from sports to family to community to nation to kingdom, I have been shown and taught that leadership is not about personal accolades or standing in the spotlight; it’s about the selfless role one plays in achieving collective goals and moving the needle forward for the entire community. In this context, the concept of servant leadership has resonated deeply with me.
Servant leadership, at its core, is about prioritizing the needs of others before one’s own. It’s about empowering those around you to reach their full potential. A servant leader is driven by the desire to uplift and inspire, to create an environment where everyone can thrive. This style of leadership does not require leaders to think less of themselves, rather, they think of themselves less; focusing on the greater good, on the impact they can make in the lives of others.
In the African-American community today, the need for this kind of leadership is more critical than ever. Since the assassinations of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, aka Malcolm X, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., may their memories be blessed, there has been a noticeable void in strong, visionary leadership. These giants of change didn’t just lead—they inspired countless others to step up and take charge. Their legacy is a testament to the power of servant leadership, where the goal was always the upliftment and advancement of the entire community, not personal recognition and honor. We find this epitomized in the words of Messiah Yeshua when he states that “whoever wishes to be first among you, let him be your servant, even as the Son of Aḏam did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20.27-28).”
It is in this spirit that I gained one of the most significant insights regarding leadership. As I have come to comprehend, it is the distinction between leader-centered groups and group-centered leadership that delineates the true marks of leadership. With leader-centered groups, the focus is on a single individual who drives the vision and direction. While this can be effective in the short term, it often leads to a dependency on that one leader. When the leader is gone, the group may struggle to sustain its momentum. This is a major problem for any type of continuity and sustainability.
On the other hand, group-centered leadership distributes power and responsibility among many. Hinged on collaboration, collective consciousness and shared responsibility, group-centered leadership encourages everyone to take ownership and play an active role in the group’s success. This model is sustainable and renewable because it doesn’t rely solely on one person to lead; it fosters a culture of shared leadership and mutual support. In the context of the African-American community, adopting a group-centered leadership approach is crucial for our continuity and the improvement of our condition. It ensures that the movement doesn’t falter when one leader is lost, as we tragically experienced with the ancestors Malcolm and Martin.
When reflecting on this dynamic, I am reminded of the countless unsung heroes within our community—individuals who have stepped up to lead when there was no one else to guide the way. These leaders understand that the mantle of leadership is not a crown, but a torch, meant to be passed on. These leaders recognize that their role is to inspire and empower others, to cultivate new leaders who will continue the work and expand the vision.These leaders will serve their people and provide them with the information, inspiration and implementation required to elevate everyone in the community.
In my journey as a leader, I strive to embody this principle. I focus on mentoring and supporting those around me, providing them with the information, tools and opportunities they need to grow into leaders themselves. I remind myself that my success is measured not by my personal achievements, but by the success of those I have helped along the way.
As I look to the future, I am hopeful knowing that the lives that I’ve touched over the years have been impacted by the information and inspiration that I’ve shared with them. From the seeds that I’ve been fortunate to plant, I see a new generation of leaders emerging, driven by the same passion and commitment that fueled the likes of Malcolm and Martin. These new leaders are not waiting for permission to lead; they are stepping up, taking charge, and making a difference. They are creating a movement that is replicable, resilient, decisive and unstoppable.
In the final analysis, let me be clear and reiterate that true leadership is about creating more leaders. It’s not about thinking less of ourselves, but about thinking of ourselves less as leaders, focusing rather on the needs of others. It’s about creating a culture of group-centered leadership, where everyone is empowered to take the lead in their respective role and task. And most importantly, it’s about stepping up to lead when there is no one else to guide the way. This is the path to lasting change and true liberation for our community. This is true and effective leadership!
by Miykael Qorbanyahu aka B. Michael Long
[email protected]
To purchase The Kingdom Within, go here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYTBXRCQ
