Servant leadership is a pretty intuitive concept.  However, this leadership concept is at odds with many of the values instilled by the modern culture— than trying to acquire power, wealth, and fame for ourselves. 

Servant leadership is all about putting your people first— a leader who has ambition for others.

Today marks the 88th death anniversary of the Indian freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad. On this day in 1931, Chandra Shekhar Azad gave his life in Alfred Park.

Azad was one of India’s most significant leaders who inspired people not through words but by serving them. He was the leader who had ambition for his fellow Indian’s freedom. He dedicated his life to a purpose that went beyond the boundaries of ‘I,’ ‘me’ and ‘mine.’ Indeed, a genuinely great mission or purpose begins with and includes the self, but it ultimately transcends it.

There are several incidents from the life of Chandra Shekhar Azad which highlight the fact that why leaders of today need to embrace Servant Leadership.

Azad was very young when he started taking part in various freedom movements.  Deeply affected by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, 15-year-old Azad joined the Non-Cooperation movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi. During one of these protests, he was arrested. However, the incident further motivated him to take revolutionary actions for the country's freedom. 

He became an active member of the HRA and people began to join him in his struggle for freedom. He was joined by other prominent leaders like Ram Prasad Bismil to work together for the country's independence.

Similarly, it is of the utmost importance that your employees and clients alike witness you in service so they can work together for a greater purpose.

Chandra Shekhar Azad was the man who led a new phase of activism against the British. The Kakori train robbery (1926), attempt to blow up the Viceroy's train (1926), and the shooting of Saunders at Lahore (1928) are some of the historical incidents that led to a greater war for India's independence. 

While Azad was the leader of HRA, he actively took part in all the freedom struggles like any other member of the party. In fact, he sacrificed his life to save HRA’s member while fighting.

If you are in leadership, do not make the mistake of feeling or thinking that you are above grunt work. Never be afraid to roll up your sleeves and go to work.

Chandra Shekhar Azad was a mentor and guide to many revolutionaries. One of the greatest freedom fighters that he mentored was Bhagat Singh. Along with Bhagat Singh, he was considered as one of the greatest revolutionaries who dawned in the soil of the nation. 

The most significant investment you can make in your people is your time. Investing in your team will impact their job performance directly and will, therefore, have huge impacts on your bottom line.

Image Credits: Catch News