We extend our heartfelt congratulations to
Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, the newly elected Rector
Major, the 11th successor of Don Bosco, and his entire
esteemed team. This moment of celebration also serves
as a profound reminder that each of us, in our unique
contexts as a professed Salesian of Don Bosco, is called
to embody true leadership. As Jesus himself taught and
exemplified, authentic leadership is ultimately a form
of 'Servant Leadership', entirely dedicated to the Divine
luminous mission of selfless service.
In an era where leadership is often associated
with power, prestige, and dominance, the concept of
Servant Leadership offers a refreshing alternative.
This approach to leadership, popularized by Robert
Greenleaf, emphasizes the importance of serving others,
empowering individuals, and fostering a culture of
collaboration and mutual growth. As we navigate the
complexities of the modern world, the principles of
Servant Leadership have never been more relevant.
According to Robert Greenleaf, Servant Leadership
is characterized by a leader's genuine desire to serve
others, prioritizing their needs and well-being above
personal interests. This definition resonates deeply with
the contemporary business world, where organizations
increasingly recognize the value of putting people and
purpose at the forefront of their operations.
The roots of Servant Leadership, however, stretch
back much further to Jesus' life and teachings. Jesus'
ministry was marked by selfless service, compassion,
and a commitment to empowering others. His leadership
style was characterized by humility, vulnerability, and a
willingness to listen and learn from those around him.
As Jesus himself said, "I came to serve, not to be
served" (Mk 10:45). A true leader is one who serves
with humility, compassion, and love. A Servant Leader
is willing to lay down their own interests and desires for
the greater good. This selflessness is not about seeking
recognition or reward but about serving with a genuine
heart.
In addition to selflessness, empathy and active
listening are essential qualities of a Servant Leader. A
true Servant Leader is one who listens with compassion
and understanding, seeking to understand the needs and
Editorial
concerns of others. This empathetic approach fosters a
culture of trust, respect, and open communication.
The Tale of the Two Trees
The following parable illustrates succinctly the
principles of Servant Leadership:
In a small village, there lived two trees: one, a
towering oak, and the other, a humble willow. The oak
tree stood tall, its branches stretching towards the sky,
seeking to dominate the landscape. It focused solely on
its own growth, neglecting the needs of the other trees
and creatures in the village.
In contrast, the willow tree bent and flexed, its
branches stretching towards the ground, seeking to serve
and support those around it. It provided shade for the
weary traveller, shelter for the birds, and nourishment
for the soil.
One day, a fierce storm swept through the village,
threatening to uproot both trees. The oak tree, rigid and
inflexible, was torn from the earth, its roots shallow and
weak. The willow tree, however, flexed and yielded, its
roots deep and strong. It weathered the storm, emerging
stronger and more resilient than before.
The oak tree represents the traditional model of
leadership, where power and dominance are prioritized
above all else. The willow tree, on the other hand,
embodies the principles of Servant Leadership, where
serving others, empowering individuals, and fostering
a culture of heartfelt, close collaboration and mutual
growth are paramount.
As we reflect on the contemporary significance
of Servant Leadership, we are reminded that true
leadership is not about personal aggrandizement or
the accumulation of power but about serving others,
empowering individuals, and creating a better world for
all.
May we, as individual Salesians and as a glorious
Salesian Congregation of Don Bosco, strive to embody
the principles of Servant Leadership, cultivating, in
collaboration with the young, a world of compassion,
empathy, and selfless service.

Fr. Amirtharaj Arockiyam SDB.,
Editor.