Mahatma Gandhi was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to serving others through nonviolent means. As a lawyer, he found success but no fulfillment until embarking on a path of service. Gandhi lived simply among the people of India, dressing in a loin cloth, living in a hut, and eating a basic diet. Through peaceful demonstrations and civil disobedience, he campaigned for equal rights and treatment for Indians. Even when faced with violence, Gandhi responded with forgiveness and continued his mission of serving all people.

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Mahatma Gandhi was a visionary of true servant leadership. Born October of 1869 in India
he embarked on his journey to self reflections and service for all. Gandhi was an educated
man who held a successful practice as a lawyer. All his successes were not fulfilling for him
but the need to serve others brought him true happiness. Gandhi decided the path to
fulfillment was through the acts of service for all mankind. He embarked on his journey
and truly gave of himself for the needs of others.
The Great Servant Leader
Leadership Practices of Gandhi
Dedication to the People
The true leadership style of Gandhi was all about his service to his people, he symbolized
the people he was serving. He did not consider himself above anybody, he demonstrated
his atonement to his people by living simply, dressed in a simple loin cloth, living in a
clay hut and eating the basic diet a lifestyle considered to be for the poor. His sacrifices
earned him his respect and understanding. He was truly honored and loved all over the
world. When the great plague hit Gandhi was there nursing the sick even though he put
himself at risk of contracting this deadly disease. His campaign for Indian rights and
equal treatments through peaceful demonstrations had the greatest impact. Even when a
menacing crowd threw stones and beat him he did not identify his attackers he simply
forgave them and continued his mission. He was showered with gifts many very costly but
he could not accept these monetary gifts instead he put the money into a fund to help
serve the needs of others. Gandhi did not look for approval or praise from people he
simply remained true to himself and his beliefs through prayer he stayed true to himself.
He had not problems admitting when he made mistakes in fact he welcomed them as an
opportunity to become a better man. Even as a member of congress in India he did not
just sit above and watch he worked consistently everyday with his co-workers no job was
above him, he even cleaned the toilets if there was a job to do he simply did it no matter
how easy or hard the task was. Servant to his people is what this man lived his life for.
References
Mahatma Gandhi-An Indian Model of Servant Leadership, Annette Barnabas, International
Journal of Leadership Studies, Vol. 7, Issue2, 2012
Leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, 10 Leadership Lessons from Gandhi, Floridaleads.com
Acknowledgment
Prepared for Servant Leadership, for Professor Davenport
Gandhi was a very successful educated lawyer. He learned from books but most
importantly he learned from the people. He encouraged others to learn and grow for
themselves. He believed that education was power and as we learn we have an
opportunity to understand and accept new ideas. No man was insignificant no matter what
stature in life Gandhi took the time to sit with all as equals. Gandhi was a great listener,
he was know for listening intently to everybody he took time to hear what people said and
did not pass judgment. A master of self control his ability to control his emotions and have
self discipline allowed him a better understanding of the world. He preached open-
mindness, having an open mind allows people to consider and accept humility. He
encourage reflection before decision making, stop and thinking before making rash
decisions. This great leader did not see himself as great but just as an example. He
encouraged behaviors in others by practicing them himself. He treated people the way he
felt people deserved through equality. Gandhi fought for the people he led the people
through peaceful demonstrations. He encouraged people to fight for their rights and to
lead peaceful lives. He never gave up hope and continued to prosper through the people
he wanted to help and serve.
University of Southern Maine
Jennifer Tucci
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi