Can servant and leader go in the same sentence?

Many of us may find it odd that the words ‘servant’ and ‘leader’ can go in the same sentence. But think again, aren’t all leaders followers as well?

The concept of “servant leadership” was first coined by management consultant Robert K. Greenleaf in an essay published back in 1970. He explains:

“The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.”

And that is exactly what this year’s SINDA Youth Leaders Seminar (SYLS) is about.

In practicing servant leadership, how do you strike the delicate balance of serving and leading?

How do you inspire those you serve to become better individuals and bring out the leader in them?

What legacy would you like to leave behind as a leader?

SYLS is that platform where you can discuss all of this and more – the Seminar will allow you to learn, deliberate and become catalysts of change for the Indian community.

On Saturday, 26 May 2012, the SYLS participants had an orientation session where they got thinking about global leaders who had influenced them. They also discussed about the qualities a leader should have and what they, as participants, would like to take away from the Seminar.

And because at some point in our lives, we all take on leadership roles, this Seminar will help you examine leadership from different perspectives, which will be useful to you in your personal and professional life.

This year, SYLS will be reaching out to over 170 youth leaders, from 1 to 3 June 2012. The Seminar will take place at the Singapore Sports School and will be graced by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. So watch this space for more updates!