The Meaning of Servant Leadership

This article written by Paul Lessard was published in The High Point Enterprise: Neighbors

Leadership comes in many shapes and sizes. Whether you are talking about community, government, military or academia, nothing is accomplished without people of vision, energy and action.

One of the most effective styles of leadership was first written about by the well-known corporate leadership researcher Robert Greenleaf, who coined the phrase servant leadership. In an essay he penned in 1970 he talked about how “The servant-leader is a servant first…it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.”

In our modern society where so much emphasis is placed upon achievement and recognition the concept of leaders who serve is not only refreshing, it has the potential to change the entire leadership paradigm.

Looking back upon my days as an undergraduate at High Point College, I once knew a beautiful young woman, mostly from afar, who would, one day, become one of the most effective servant leaders I have ever encountered. Ironically, this shy, young coed who was on a pre-med academic track had half of my soccer team scrambling to figure out why she never dated. It seems even then, she was influencing and impacting others with her grace and enigmatic ways.

Years later, I finally learned that she was, in fact, already betrothed to a man who would one day play the pivotal role in the remarkable resurgence at High Point University.  Yes, I am talking about Dr. Nido Qubein and the mystery coed was indeed his future wife, Mariana Qubein, High Point University’s First Lady.

For those who know Mariana’s commitment to both our community and HPU it will come as no surprise that she does in so many ways epitomize the quiet strength, humility and effectiveness of a true servant leader. When you watch her with the students at the University, it is immediately obvious that she views her role as equal parts nurturer, encourager and exhorter who calls those young people to more academically, morally and spiritually. Like many of you, I have often wondered how Nido can possibly spend the incredible amount of time and energy he does every single day at HPU and the answer is clear, he has a secret weapon in his partner and teammate, Mariana, who serves as a strong, supportive presence in his life.

Read the entire article, The Meaning of Servant Leadership featuring Dr. Nido Qubein’s wife, Mariana Qubein.

Dr. Nido Qubein is an international speaker and accomplished author on sales, communication, and leadership. He is president of High Point University which has an enrollment of 4,300 undergraduate and graduate students. He is also chairman of Great Harvest Bread Company with 220 stores in 43 states.