If you don't understand that you work for your mislabeled

“If you don't understand that you work for your mislabeled 'subordinates', then you know nothing of leadership. You know only tyranny.” — Dee Hock

Listen well, O seeker of power and servant of purpose, for these words of Dee Hock, founder of the Visa organization, carry a truth as old as the hills and as eternal as justice itself. In this saying, Hock tears away the false veil of authority and reveals the sacred heart of leadership. He declares that true leaders do not stand above their people like kings upon thrones; they stand beneath them, bearing their burdens, guiding their steps, and serving their growth. He warns that those who think they command others without serving them have mistaken tyranny for leadership, and domination for strength.

The origin of these words lies in the age of modern enterprise, yet their spirit reaches back to the dawn of civilization. Dee Hock, who built one of the greatest financial networks in history, understood that an organization is not a machine of obedience but a living organism of trust. When he said one must “work for your mislabeled ‘subordinates,’” he meant that the duty of a leader is not to rule, but to serve — to create the conditions under which others may flourish. The word “subordinate” itself, he saw, was a lie — for in truth, the leader depends on the very people he leads. Without their dedication, their labor, and their faith, no vision can endure.

The wise of every age have known this. When Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome, ruled the greatest empire of his time, he wrote in his meditations that a ruler is but a servant of the common good. Though clothed in imperial power, he bowed in spirit to the people whose welfare gave meaning to his reign. He walked among his soldiers, endured their hardships, listened to their needs. He understood that authority without humility breeds corruption, and that the one who governs best is he who serves most. Such is the eternal distinction between the emperor and the tyrant — one leads for others, the other leads for himself.

Yet how easily mankind forgets this! How many in command mistake fear for respect, and obedience for loyalty! The tyrant demands submission; the leader inspires devotion. The tyrant uses people as instruments; the leader awakens their strength. One builds monuments to his ego, the other builds foundations for the future. And always, history shows the same fate: the tyrant’s reign ends in ashes, for fear cannot hold what love has abandoned. But the servant-leader, who lifts his followers higher than himself, lives on in the hearts of those he has guided — and through them, his work becomes immortal.

Consider also the story of Mahatma Gandhi, who led his people not by decree but by example. He held no title, commanded no army, and yet millions followed him — not from fear, but from faith. When he spoke, it was not to demand obedience but to awaken courage. He ate the simplest food, wore the plainest clothes, and shared the hardships of his followers. He knew, as Dee Hock knew, that leadership is not a crown to be worn, but a service to be rendered. In the strength of his humility, he moved empires. Such is the power of one who understands that to lead is to serve.

The lesson is clear: if you would lead, you must first serve. Know your people — not as tools, but as souls. Listen before you speak. Help before you command. The true leader’s greatness is measured not by how many obey him, but by how many he empowers to rise beyond him. Every worker, every follower, every voice beneath you is not beneath you at all — they are the foundation upon which you stand. To forget this is to lose your humanity; to remember it is to lead with honor.

Therefore, let your heart be humble even as your vision soars high. The wise leader bows so that others may stand tall. He works not for praise, but for the flourishing of those entrusted to his care. Let the tyrant boast of power; the true leader builds legacy. For leadership without service is tyranny, but service without pride is greatness. When you lead in this spirit — as servant, as steward, as guide — you will find that your followers do not merely obey; they believe. And in that belief, your leadership shall outlast kingdoms and conquer time itself.

So remember the words of Dee Hock, O bearer of responsibility: the leader’s true crown is humility, and his highest duty is service. If you wish to command men, first learn to work for them. If you wish to be obeyed, first learn to listen. For he who serves with wisdom leads with power, and he who leads without justice reigns not as a king — but as a tyrant clothed in the trappings of greatness.