I know your frustration. I feel your pain. Sitting there, hearing some self-absorbed, toxic leader drone on about one bad practice after another. Yet, you know there is a better way. I’m here to tell you, you’re not alone and I have some theme music to inspire you – “The Outsiders” by Need to Breathe.
Make no mistake, servant leadership proponents and practitioners are outsiders. Sadly, defacto leadership is power-based and often even toxic in nature. As a result, it is common for us to feel like we are on the outside, even if we have a better solution.
Theme Song
Have you ever thought your work would seem more exciting if it was put to theme music? How many cinematic moments – especially those in libraries and offices – would seem drab and boring, were it not for inspirational music in the background?
Well, servant leader, we’re here to inspire you. The servant leader movement is important and you are a critical component of it. So the next time you feel beat down; the next time you are on the verge of giving in; the next time you think, “maybe I should just concede and join the toxic leadership drones”, take heart. Stop, listen to this song and remember, we are the Outsiders.
Leadership Inspiration from The Outsiders
While leadership (at least, alone) was not likely the focus when Need to Breathe wrote this song, it includes great lyrics for your inspiration, including:
“Stand tall but running thin, I’m wearing thin”
“I’ve been wondering if this starts sinking, would we stand our ground? After everything we’ve learned, we’ve finally come to terms: we are the outsiders”
“I’m not leaving without a fight. I’ve got my holsters around my sides. Just cause I’m wrong that don’t make you right. It’s not right.”
“On the outside, you found a home.”
“On the outside, there’s more to see. On the outside, you choose to be…”
Fighting against the tide of bad leadership practices can be draining. I hope this little inspiration is helpful for you, as it has been for me. So the next time you’re struggling, don’t cave. Put on this song and create some inspiration for the soundtrack to your servant leadership.
Question: What other songs belong on a “servant leadership” soundtrack?
Ben Lichtenwalner is the founder and principal of Modern Servant Leader and Radiant Forest, LLC. He has studied and promoted servant leadership awareness and adoption for over 20 years. He is the author of 2 leadership books and has 2 decades of corporate management and leadership experience. His corporate experience spans CIO, VP, Director, and many management roles at Fortune 500, INC 500, and Nonprofits. Ben’s education includes a B.S. in Management Science & Information Systems from Penn State University and an MBA from Lehigh University. Ben's Full Profile Here:About Ben Lichtenwalner
2 thoughts on ““The Outsiders” by Need To Breathe – Servant Leadership Inspiration”
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2 thoughts on ““The Outsiders” by Need To Breathe – Servant Leadership Inspiration”
Nice post, Ben ~ I’m thinking Bill Withers’ Lean on Me deserves a mention. Hope you enjoy it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPoTGyWT0Cg … hugs, Jack
Thanks Jack! Excellent addition, I agree.I finally read through all the lyrics. Thanks for sharing that link.