Servant Leadership
Larry’s Leadership Ladder
Trying to offer a solution before you fully understand the problem is a recipe for failure. When we make assumptions before we have spent the time to learn about an issue, it often leads to making empty and incorrect comments. Everyone has an opinion and has the freedom, in our country, to share their thoughts. However, when we slow down to consider more than what’s at the surface of a situation, we are able to offer a much more informed solution.
More important than offering our thoughts, is demonstrating our actions. Paraphrasing Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words: Many times what we do speaks so loudly that no one can hear what we are saying. Our leadership is empty if our behavior does not match our words. Servant leadership means leading by serving others. Serving is a verb that indicates action.
A wise leader and friend of mine recently sent me the following quote:
“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” - Mother Teresa
Take the time to process and apply this wisdom and you will make a difference!
Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
At the heart of The MSS Way is Servant Leadership, a principle that puts others first to create a culture of trust, growth, and collaboration. By empowering others and providing the tools and support they need, servant leaders inspire loyalty and build high-performing teams. This leadership approach is not about relinquishing authority but about using it to help others reach their potential. In life, Servant Leadership means showing up for people—family, friends, and colleagues—and making choices that reflect care, respect, and shared purpose. It’s about recognizing the impact we have on others and striving to leave a positive legacy.
At MSS, Servant Leadership is deeply tied to mentorship and coachability, two values that reflect our commitment to shared growth and continuous improvement. Mentorship focuses on building meaningful relationships where guidance, encouragement, and shared knowledge empower others to achieve their best. It is a proactive act of service that amplifies the impact of leadership by helping others develop their skills and confidence. Servant leaders see mentorship not just as a duty but as an opportunity to build lasting connections that strengthen the team as a whole.
At the same time, coachability complements mentorship. It is about maintaining the humility and self-awareness to learn from others. A coachable leader actively seeks feedback, embraces challenges, and continuously evolves to meet the needs of their team and organization. Together, mentorship and coachability create a dynamic cycle of learning and teaching. In this cycle, everyone grows, adapts, and contributes to a thriving culture.
“Servant leadership is all about making the goals clear, and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win.”
For MSS, Servant Leadership is more than just a principle. It transforms leadership into a shared journey that benefits everyone. By focusing on service over self-interest, servant leaders inspire a culture where individuals feel valued, respected, and motivated to achieve their potential. This approach goes beyond transactional leadership to create deep, lasting relationships built on trust and care. Through this service-first mindset, leaders not only achieve results but also build teams that feel empowered and invested in a shared vision. Servant Leadership is not about leading from the front or pushing from behind. Instead, it is about walking alongside others, lifting them up, and ensuring their success becomes the foundation of the organization’s legacy. Let’s get started!