Why Public Servants Must Put People First
When it comes to government and public leadership, most of us hope that the people in charge genuinely care about the well-being of their communities. We want leaders who listen to the concerns of everyday citizens, look for practical solutions, and work hard to make our society fair, safe, and prosperous. But unfortunately, not every person who rises to power fits this description.
Too often, government positions attract people who are self-serving, self-righteous, and self-important. In simple terms, these are folks who put their own interests ahead of everyone else’s, who think their way is the only right way, and who believe they’re more important than the people they’re supposed to serve. When such individuals hold public leadership positions, the consequences can be troubling—and sometimes downright dangerous—for society as a whole.
What Does It Mean to Be Self-Serving, Self-Righteous, and Self-Important?
Let’s break down these terms:
· Self-serving people focus on what benefits them personally. Instead of making decisions that help everyone, they look for ways to get ahead—whether that means more money, more power, or more recognition.
· Self-righteous individuals believe they’re morally superior to others. They think their opinions are always right and that anyone who disagrees is either mistaken or “bad.” There’s little room for discussion or compromise.
· Self-important people have an inflated sense of their own value. They act as if they’re at the center of everything, expecting others to cater to them, and often ignore the needs and concerns of others.
Now, imagine what happens when someone with these qualities is handed the reins of government.
How Do These Traits Harm Government and Society?
The dangers of allowing such people to lead go far beyond simple personality clashes or annoyances. When self-serving, self-righteous, and self-important individuals hold public office, the harm can ripple through every level of society.
1. Decisions Driven by Personal Gain
Public leaders are supposed to make choices that benefit their communities. But self-serving leaders put their own interests first. This might mean awarding lucrative contracts to friends or family, pushing policies that help their businesses, or making decisions based on what gets them votes—not what’s truly best for the people. When leaders act this way, public trust erodes. People begin to believe that government is rigged for the few, not the many.
2. Lack of Accountability
Self-righteous and self-important leaders often refuse to admit mistakes or accept criticism. They may blame others when things go wrong and avoid responsibility by hiding facts or bending rules. Without accountability, problems get ignored or covered up, allowing small mistakes to grow into major scandals or crises.
3. Poor Communication and Division
A self-righteous leader may reject input from others and shut down dissenting voices. They’re convinced they know best, so they don’t bother listening. This attitude divides communities, alienates people who feel unheard, and leads to policies that ignore real-life concerns. Instead of building consensus and unity, these leaders foster conflict and resentment.
4. Threats to Fairness and Justice
When self-important and self-serving leaders make decisions, fairness often takes a back seat. Laws and policies can become skewed to protect their friends, reward loyalty, or punish critics. Inequality grows, and those who are vulnerable—like people living in poverty, minorities, and others with less power—suffer the most.
5. Stifling Innovation and Progress
Good government depends on new ideas and fresh perspectives. But self-righteous leaders rarely welcome innovation, especially if it contradicts their own views. They may block reforms, silence creative thinkers, and cling to outdated practices, leaving society stuck in the past.
6. Destabilizing Democracy
In the worst cases, unchecked self-importance and self-serving behavior can undermine the very foundations of democracy. Leaders who think they’re above the law may bend or break rules, restrict freedoms, and centralize power. Corruption spreads. People lose faith in elections, institutions, and even the idea of government itself.
Real-World Examples
History and current events provide plenty of examples of the dangers discussed above. Corruption scandals, abuse of power, and division are common symptoms of self-serving leadership. When leaders prioritize themselves, the public pays the price: crumbling infrastructure, unfair laws, social unrest, and wasted resources.
For instance, in some countries, officials have misused public funds for lavish lifestyles or personal projects. In others, leaders have shut down media outlets or jailed critics to silence opposition. Even in established democracies, arrogance and self-interest can erode the quality of debate, making it harder to address pressing issues like health care, education, or climate change.
Why Good Leaders Matter
All this raises an important question: what makes a good public leader? The answer, thankfully, is simple. Good leaders:
· Put the public’s interests ahead of their own
· Listen to different viewpoints and encourage debate
· Admit mistakes and learn from them
· Make decisions fairly and transparently
· Build trust through honesty and accountability
· Support justice and equality
· Work to unite rather than divide
In contrast to self-serving leaders, good leaders recognize that their authority comes from the people, not from their own ego. They view public office as a responsibility, not a prize.
What Can Citizens Do?
While we might not be able to change government overnight, each of us has a role to play in promoting better leadership. Here are a few practical steps:
· Pay attention. Learn about your leaders—their backgrounds, their actions, and their track records.
· Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to challenge decisions or demand explanations.
· Hold leaders accountable. Vote in elections. Support transparency and honesty.
· Speak up. Participate in public debate, share your views, and support causes that matter to you.
· Support ethical leadership. Encourage, celebrate, and elect leaders who demonstrate humility, fairness, and a commitment to public service.
Conclusion
Leadership in government is a serious responsibility. When people who are self-serving, self-righteous, and self-important hold power, society suffers—from broken trust and wasted resources to division and injustice. But by recognizing these dangers, demanding better from our leaders, and getting involved ourselves, we can help build governments that serve the public rather than personal interests. In the end, good leadership isn’t just about the person in charge—it’s about all of us working together for the common good.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 