Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””
Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭43‬-‭45‬ ‭

Greatness is not found in titles or prestige but in humility, in service, and in the quiet resolve to uplift others.

Robert Greenleaf, often called the father of modern servant leadership, reshaped the meaning of influence. During his time at AT&T, he discovered a timeless truth: true leadership begins by putting others first. His guiding principle “By serving, one leads, and by leading, one serves”continues to spark movements toward ethical, collaborative, and people-centered workplaces around the world. Through the lens of Hesse’s Journey to the East, Greenleaf cultivated a leadership philosophy grounded in empathy, attentive listening, and deep self-awareness. Long before employee well-being became a buzzword, he envisioned organizations flourishing through the care of their people - a vision that still calls leaders to steward wisely and lead with heart. He passed away in September 1990 at the age of 86, leaving behind not just a legacy, but an invitation: to serve, to elevate, and to lead with conviction. His epitaph, etched with humility and humor, reads, “Potentially a good plumber; ruined by a sophisticated education.”

Mark 10:43–45 teaches that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in selfless service, following the example of Christ, who served all by laying down His life for the sake of others.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
-Mahatma Gandhi,