"El liderazgo es un privilegio para mejorar la vida de los demás. No es una oportunidad para satisfacer la avaricia personal."

The idea here is that true leadership is about serving others rather than feeding one's own desires. When you're in a position of authority or influence, your primary goal should be to improve the lives of those you're leading, not to use that power for your own gain.

This concept has been echoed throughout history by influential leaders. For instance, think about Nelson Mandela. After spending 27 years in prison, he didn't come out seeking revenge or a lavish lifestyle. Instead, he dedicated himself to dismantling apartheid and creating a more just society in South Africa. Mandela understood that his leadership role was a responsibility to his people, not an entitlement to personal wealth or power.

Let's put this into a real-life context. Imagine you're the manager of a project team. You've got the chance to push for a big contract that could result in a hefty bonus for you. However, the project would require your team to work long hours and sacrifice their personal time. A self-serving leader might jump at the opportunity for more money. But a true leader would weigh the impact on their team's well-being and consider if the personal gain is worth the collective strain.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by consistently checking your motivations. Are your decisions benefiting the group, or are they primarily about you? When faced with choices, consider the long-term impact on those you lead. It's also a good idea to seek feedback. Ask your team how your leadership style affects them—this can be eye-opening and guide you in making more selfless choices.

Imagine a scenario where a CEO has the option to lay off a portion of the workforce to cut costs and increase profits. A purely self-interested leader might do this to improve the company's financial statements and, in turn, increase their own paycheck. But a leader who sees their role as a privilege would explore every alternative first. Maybe they'd find ways to retrain staff, cut costs elsewhere, or even take a pay cut themselves to avoid laying off loyal employees.

This approach builds trust and loyalty, creating a more motivated and committed team. People notice when their leaders genuinely care about their well-being. They’re more likely to go the extra mile when they feel valued and respected.

Remember, leadership isn't just about the big decisions. It's in the day-to-day interactions and choices. Are you empowering your team? Are you listening to their concerns and acting on them? Leadership as a service means you're there to support, guide, and uplift—always with an eye on the greater good.

So next time you're in a position to lead, think about the impact your decisions have on others. Consider it a privilege to make their lives better. Because at the end of the day, true leadership isn’t measured by the perks you accumulate but by the positive change you bring into the lives of those around you.