So, in my first few blogs I’ve shared some ideas on being an Armor Bearer. I will eventually move on to other blog topics – particularly around leadership, humor, life lessons, and maybe a few tricky topics to help stretch myself and others. But, before I move on I wanted to address a few comments I’ve heard from others about this site.

I’ve been asked, how does “Serving and supporting in the spirit of armorbearing” make you a better leader, manager, consultant, husband, father, or someone I can trust to get the job done?  In other words, if the attitude of an armor bearer is one of servanthood in which you attend to, care for, help, assist, and encourage other leaders – how does that make you a leader??

My simple answer is this: Authentic Armor Bearers (servant leaders) help perfect those they serve by loyally investing, respecting, elevating, and loving them. They walk the talk and inspire their leaders to raise their game. That’s ultimately why they’re sought after to be leaders themselves.

Think about a few parallels in duties/traits between an armor bearer and those in leadership (I certainly hope you expect those who lead you to have these traits)

• Competence – People look to leaders for sound guidance and leaders look to their followers to be able to get the job done
• Confidence - Must have an attitude/disposition that is attractive and will inspire others
• Concern - Must be tuned into and have a deep down respect for those around them. This includes acceptance for and tolerance of others’ personalities and way of doing things
• Courage - Must possess the strength to press and force their way forward without giving way under tremendous pressure
• Loyalty – Armor Bearers have their leaders back and there comes a time when every leader must take the target off the back of his armor bearer and place it on his own

Servant Leadership is not an oxymoron. Leadership is built upon serving, sacrificing, and seeking the greatest good of those being led. If we could master the servant mentality, what greater influence we would have and better leaders we would become.

Tags: leadership | service | armorbearing