For His Conscience or His Polls?

On Wednesday, my Facebook newsfeed was buzzing with a myriad of news regarding the state and federal government.  While some left me shaking my head, news of Obama's recent decisions left me confused.  According to ABC News, Barack Obama will be paying back 5% of his salary to the US Treasury.   

Correspondents say the payment is a "sign of solidarity with the federal workers who face furloughs due to the sequester cuts."  In an effort to share the sacrifice, Obama has made a public effort to show such support.  News anchors have questioned rather other politicians will follow suit.

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Whether or not the reason for his decision was genuine or not, it gives me insight into the leadership he is providing.  It exhibits elements of servant leadership, a model of leadership that I have implemented in daily life.

Robert K. Greenleaf devoted his life’s work to promoting servant leadership, and has been the foundation for numerous popular leadership books on the shelves today.  I can imagine that Greenleaf is smiling in his grave with the evidence of his ideology in the White House, even if not the first time. (George Washington was noted for closing his letters with, “Your most humble and obedient servant”).

Whether we agree with Obama’s politics or not, I urge that we can at least take note of his leadership.  We have no way of knowing his true intentions, but can rest assured in the image it portrays.  An image that would serve us all well if we would take note and do likewise.

“Good leaders must first become good servants.”

Robert K. Greenleaf