In Times of Crisis: The Power and Necessity of Servant Leadership

We are living in an era marked by escalating global tensions, deepening divisions, and rising anxiety, and leadership has never mattered more— and yet, never felt more fragile.

The world watches as populist rhetoric replaces reasoned dialogue, where “strength” is often confused with bravado, where humility is mistaken for weakness. Amidst this turbulence, there is a model of leadership that offers hope, healing, and humanity: servant leadership.

What Is Servant Leadership?

Coined by Robert Greenleaf in 1970, (see https://www.greenleaf.org/about-us-3/robert-k-greenleaf-biography/ ), servant leadership flips the traditional hierarchy: leaders are not at the top—they serve from the center. Their role is to listen, support, uplift, and empower others. Especially in times of crisis, this leadership style is not only effective but essential.

When fear dominates and uncertainty looms, people need leaders who are:

• Grounded in empathy

• Guided by integrity

• Committed to the collective good

• Courageous enough to serve rather than command

Examples That Inspire

History and current events offer powerful examples of servant leadership in action—leaders who rose not by force, but by faith in the people they served.

Nelson Mandela – South Africa’s Healer: After 27 years in prison, Mandela led South Africa not with vengeance, but with vision. He championed reconciliation and democratic renewal, always putting national healing above personal power.

“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front”, Mandela once said. His leadership was rooted in dignity and deep moral courage.

Jacinda Ardern – A Voice of Compassion in Crisis: Following the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, New Zealand’s then-Prime Minister responded with humanity, not hostility. She stood in solidarity with victims, took decisive action on gun laws, and reminded the world that empathy is a form of strength.

Angela Merkel – Dignity Over Division: During the 2015 refugee crisis, Chancellor Merkel chose compassion over convenience. She welcomed over a million displaced people to Germany, standing firm against a wave of political backlash with quiet resolve.

Mia Amor Mottley – A Caribbean Leader on the World Stage: Having lived in Barbados, I witnessed firsthand the integrity and fortitude of Prime Minister Mia Mottley. She has consistently demonstrated servant leadership, not just within her nation but on the global stage. (Image source: Barbados Today)

From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 with transparency and care, to her fearless advocacy for climate justice at the United Nations, PM Mottley’s voice has become a beacon for those demanding fairness, equity, and global accountability.

“We do not want that dreaded death sentence, and we have come here today to say, 'Try harder,'”, she said during a pivotal speech at COP26. Her words weren’t merely aspirational—they were a call to moral action.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – A Dream Rooted in Service: Dr. King’s leadership during the American Civil Rights Movement exemplified the very soul of servant leadership. His vision of a just and equal society was grounded in deep empathy, nonviolent resistance, and an unwavering commitment to the dignity of all people.

He did not seek power, but purpose—serving as a voice for the voiceless and a bridge across divides. Whether through his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, his letters from a Birmingham jail, or his ultimate sacrifice, Dr. King led with humility, moral courage, and a relentless belief in community. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of service-led transformation.

What We’re Missing Today

Too often, the global stage is dominated by authoritarian tones and divisive politics. You, the reader, may already have a few leaders in mind, and history books, no doubt, will ultimately bare witness to those who have chosen or will choose to abuse the leadership mantle that they have been given, or in some cases, taken.

Woke... me worry? The rising disdain for “wokeness,” often used as a derogatory term for empathy and awareness, signals a troubling shift away from inclusive, service-oriented leadership. In these times, servant leaders don’t just guide—they restore. They build trust where it’s been broken. They listen when others shout. They create space for healing, equity, and forward momentum.

A Call to Reflect and Recenter

At RPM-Academy, we believe leadership is not about control—it’s about capacity. The capacity to uplift others, to navigate uncertainty with clarity, and to make values visible through action. Servant leadership isn’t soft. It’s not weak. It’s a radical, resilient response to chaos—and it may be our best hope for collective progress for the people of this planet... for the planet as a whole.

Whether you're a business owner, an educator, a policymaker, or simply someone trying to make a difference in your community: lead from where you are, and lead with service. The world doesn’t need louder voices. It needs braver hearts.

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