“Everything I did was for us, not for me.”

In those nine words Seth Godin captures the heart of leadership.

Service.

Yet when we look at many of our leaders these days, it’s easy to believe that power is the core of leadership, not service.

The truth is, leaders do exercise power — presidents, popes and princes have the authority and the means to command action — but in the end, power only has one legitimate use — service.

Mahatma Gandhi lived the life of the servant leader. He held no official position in government, he had no wealth, and he commanded no armies — yet he mobilised millions of people because his leadership was devoted to service.

Historical figures like Christ and the Buddha embodied the principle of service too.

Today, leaders like The Dalai Lama of Tibet and the Burmese politician Aung San Suu Kyi exercise massive power because they put their followers first.

It’s been said that authentic servant leaders have five traits in common.

• They focus on their responsibilities, not their rights
• Their leadership is based on moral tenants such as truth, non-violence, accountability and integrity
• They walk their talk through regular service to others
• They understand the needs of those they serve
• And they build leadership by fostering character, courage, knowledge, skill and determination among members of their tribe.

What do you see as the defining qualities of authentic servant leaders?