Ethical leaders are distinguished by their unwavering commitment to serving the needs and interests of others, placing the well-being of their followers above their own self-interests.
An exemplary example of ethical leadership centered on serving others can be found in the actions of Dr. Héctor P. García, a prominent figure in Houston, Texas. Dr. García, a physician and civil rights activist, dedicated his life to serving marginalized communities, particularly Hispanic Americans. He founded the American GI Forum in 1948, advocating for the rights of Hispanic veterans and their families. Dr. García’s selfless dedication to serving others exemplifies the essence of ethical leadership, demonstrating a profound commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
Furthermore, scholars such as James Kouzes and Barry Posner, in their seminal work “The Leadership Challenge,” emphasize the importance of leaders serving others as a cornerstone of effective leadership. They assert, “Leadership is not about the leader; it’s about the followers and the outcomes they achieve together” (Kouzes & Posner, 2017, p. 56), highlighting the centrality of servant leadership in fostering collaboration and achieving shared goals.
In addition, Simon Sinek, in his book “Leaders Eat Last,” underscores the significance of leaders prioritizing the needs of their followers and creating environments of trust and cooperation. He states, “Great leaders sacrifice their own comfort— even their own survival—for the good of those in their care” (Sinek, 2014, p. 73), emphasizing the sacrificial nature of ethical leadership in service of others.
Moreover, Robert Greenleaf, the founder of the modern servant leadership movement, advocates for a paradigm shift from traditional hierarchical leadership models to servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the growth and development of their followers. He contends, “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve” (Greenleaf, 1977, p. 27), highlighting the intrinsic motivation of ethical leaders to serve others.
In conclusion, ethical leaders exemplify the principle of serving others, embodying a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and selflessness in their leadership approach. Through their actions, they inspire trust, foster collaboration, and create environments where individuals can thrive and flourish.
Evans Akpo 