I definitely agree that the best leaders start as a servant or a role that is similar rather than someone who goes straight into a leadership position that has never been under someone else. These type of servant to leader people are more natural in the position. They can relate to their followers and have a better connection with them making their bond stronger because they have humble beginnings. This relates to the idea that humility is an important trait to have as a leader. The servant as a leader has humility without even trying or forcing it.
Even though Hesse’s story Journey to the East is fictional, the idea of Leo joining them as a servant, but when he was no longer there and the journey falls apart is realistic because they needed his presence and energy there all along. When a person brings great energy and positive presence to a group they are not appointed to lead in the first place, shows great potential for that person to eventually become a good leader.
I agree that before a leader becomes being a servant. Being a servant prior to being a leader also helps the leader to communicate more effectively to their followers.
I agree that being a servant first plays into a person’s humility as a leader. They can better understand that their power is not natural and should not be taken advantage of in an arrogant way.
I think that an interesting thing to consider is what we mean by being a servant first. Almost all presidents start off with jobs in lower forms of government and learn how politics work by “serving” in that capacity.
I think it’s important to think about being “under someone first.” If you have had to do the dirty work previously and understand how little glamour and appreciation comes with that work, you will be more kind to the people in that position later on.