HVCC Leadership Series: Leadership Is Service
This opening session introduces the most fundamental concept in leadership theory: contrary to popular depiction, a leader’s role is not to command but to serve. In an age when oligarchs and billionaires influence national destinies and political power is often used to consolidate control, it is easy to forget that the American political framework was designed to institutionalize public service—from the county clerk to the president.
Today, however, we often confuse positional leadership with obligation, influenced by popular media and social movements. A leader is accountable to the people they serve in every decision they make. In this session, we will examine how leadership has oscillated between the divine appointment of kings and queens and the modern bureaucratic role intended to secure the best outcomes for the public. Drawing from historical texts and contemporary interpretation, this session challenges the status quo and asks: What is a leader expected to do?