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By Pat Songer, MBA, FACPE
In today’s fast-paced world, where success is often measured by personal achievement and accolades, it is essential to remember that authentic leadership is not about wielding power, but serving others. This is the cornerstone of servant leadership – a philosophy that emphasizes putting the needs of others first and empowering them to grow and succeed. As parents, instilling these values in our children is one of our greatest gifts.
Recently, my daughter had the privilege of attending a keynote speech by Kristen Hadeed at the 2024 Pinnacle conference, an event renowned for its focus on leadership development. Hadeed, the author of “Permission to screw up,” a successful entrepreneur known for her commitment to servant leadership, shared profound insights on the importance of leading with empathy, humility and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Watching my daughter listen intently, I was struck by how deeply she connected with Hadeed’s message. She spoke about how the speech inspired her to think differently about leadership – seeing it not as a position of authority, but as a responsibility to uplift those around her.
In the evolving leadership landscape, servant leadership has gained renewed significance, particularly as we look to nurture the next generation of leaders. Unlike traditional leadership models that often emphasize authority and control, servant leadership is grounded in empathy, selflessness and the empowerment of others. As the parent of a 14-year-old daughter who has already established herself as a leader on her basketball and volleyball teams, I have had the privilege of witnessing how this new generation naturally embraces servant leadership. This approach not only challenges and inspires those of us who have been in leadership roles for years but also fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment, where everyone’s potential can be realized.
Hadeed’s message emphasized that authentic leadership is about elevating others and creating environments where everyone can thrive, even in times of failure – a message that resonated deeply with my daughter. Later, when she had the opportunity to thank Hadeed personally, her words reflected her understanding of the concepts and a heartfelt appreciation for the lessons she shared. This powerful reflection underscores the importance of exposing our children to leadership principles emphasizing service over self-interest.
This experience also highlights how younger generations approach leadership and dismisses beliefs that our emerging generations do not want to serve. Unlike traditional expectations that often place leaders in roles of authority, today’s young leaders are redefining leadership through collaboration, inclusivity and genuine care for others. They are not confined by the traditional expectations placed on leaders who have been in roles for a long time; instead, they are naturally gravitating toward a style of leadership that prioritizes the well-being and development of others.
As seasoned leaders, we bear the responsibility of embracing this shift and actively helping develop the next generation as servant leaders. This responsibility is more than just passing on knowledge; it involves creating opportunities for young leaders to lead, offering guidance and, most importantly, listening to their perspectives. The fresh ideas and approaches they bring to the table are not just valuable – they are essential for any organization or community’s continued growth and success.
| More: The 10 commandments of servant leadership
The closing speech by the Fitch & Associates team at Pinnacle further reinforced the importance of adapting our leadership practices to better support and develop the next generation. Their message was clear: leadership in today’s world requires a commitment to nurturing others, fostering a culture of empathy and empowering individuals at all levels to reach their full potential. This involves modeling servant leadership in our actions, demonstrating the value of leading with heart, and creating spaces where the next generation feels encouraged to lead in their own way.
Reflecting on my daughter’s experience at Pinnacle, I am more convinced than ever that our new generation can embrace servant leadership and be poised to redefine it for the better. They bring a fresh perspective that challenges traditional norms and pushes us all to be better leaders. However, nurturing servant leadership in the next generation is not without its challenges. It requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to providing the necessary support and guidance. Our role, then, is to support them in this journey, ensuring they have the tools, opportunities and encouragement they need to lead with compassion, integrity and a deep commitment to the well-being of others.
In conclusion, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Fitch team and the organizers of Pinnacle for delivering such an inspiring and forward-thinking event. Their dedication to advancing leadership practices in EMS and beyond is helping to pave the way for a new generation of servant leaders – leaders who will undoubtedly make a profound impact on the world. As we move forward, let us continue to nurture the seeds of servant leadership in our children, ensuring that they grow into compassionate, thoughtful leaders who are well-equipped to make the world a better place for generations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pat Songer is the chief operating officer of Cascade Medical with over 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, particularly in rural health and emergency medical services. A passionate advocate for servant leadership, Pat is dedicated to fostering compassionate, effective leaders in both healthcare and the broader community.
