The only test of leadership is that somebody follows.

Who is the enemy? Who is holding back more rapid movement to the better society that is reasonable and possible with available resources?...Evil, stupidity, apathy, the 'system' are not the enemy...The real enemy is fuzzy thinking on the part of good, intelligent, vital people...In short, the enemy is strong natural servants who have the potential to lead but do not lead, or who choose to follow a non-servant.

Even the frankest and bravest of subordinates do not talk with their boss the same way they talk with colleagues.

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. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first.

Don't assume, because you are intelligent, able, and well-motivated, that you are open to communication, that you know how to listen.

Good leaders must first become good servants.

The servant leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve.