When I make decisions, whose interests come first?

A question about prioritizing the needs of others in decision-making.

“The measure of a great leader is not how many followers you have but how many leaders you create.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Context and Insight

Every decision has an impact, and leaders often face a pull between personal benefit, organizational goals, and team well-being. Reflecting on whose interests you serve reveals your leadership orientation—self-serving or servant-hearted.

Why This Matters for Servant Leadership

Servant leadership focuses on long-term impact over short-term gain. When you prioritize people and principles above personal power or convenience, you cultivate loyalty and ethical influence, creating a stronger organization.

Personal Application

  • Review a recent decision and note who benefited most.
  • Before your next major decision, ask: “Who will this help? Who might it harm?”
  • Seek team input to broaden the perspective of decisions.

Invitation

Make one upcoming decision that clearly puts others first.

  • Priorities
  • Ethical Leadership
  • Servant Leadership

For more questions like this, explore The Reflective Leader .