This is a summary of the book titled “Self Less: Lessons learned from a life devoted to Servant Leadership, in five acts” written by Len Jessup and published by ForbesBooks in 2024. The author shares his experience, insights and advice on how to take positive action. He distinguishes between “selfless” as putting others first and “self-less” as acting to benefit others. He keeps his narrative strictly about his experiences, but he advocates for putting others first at work and at home. He calls out a “five-act structure” from playwrights to lay out his narrative and to pass on his leadership lessons. Act 1covers his origins where he claims your background can help or hinder you. Act 2 is about beliefs which pave the way for your unique leadership style. Act 3 is about adversity which identifies the sources of opposition and how to overcome them. Act 4 is about impact because we don’t have unlimited time, and Act 5 is legacy and how to plan it.

Great leaders are selfless and self less, focusing on the needs of their team members rather than their own. This concept was introduced by Len Jessup after his divorce and his subsequent role as a peer committee chair. He realized the importance of putting others first and engaging in actions that benefit others. Selfless leadership involves putting others' needs first, rather than one's own. This concept is exemplified by the concept of "level five" leadership, which emphasizes self-awareness and humility while driven to succeed.

Organizations run by selfless leaders work "bottom-up," not "top-down," and are democratic, inclusive, collaborative, and open. They surround themselves with smarter team members, demonstrating their acuity as leaders who strive for the best possible results. Selfless leadership is a powerful tool for leading others through transformational organizational changes, where a team's shared vision and fulfillment count more than the leader's vision or fulfillment.

Success at a high level requires the wholehearted buy-in of those you lead, whether a small team or a full workforce. To gain the support of people you're leading, don't be the one who is selfless.

Jessup's early life was influenced by both positive and negative factors, but he felt a strong commitment to help others succeed in higher education. To determine the impact of your origins, consider how they influenced your current situation and future direction. Beliefs play a crucial role in leadership, as you must consistently exhibit the right values and ensure your team's success. Identifying limiting beliefs and seeking ways to move beyond them can help you lead effectively. During Jessup's presidency at the University of Nevada, he faced criticism from the Board of Regents, but his wife Kristi provided perspective and encouragement. Everyone needs encouragement to stay positive and focused, especially in times of change.

Adversity can arise from various sources, including environmental factors and negative people within an organization. Leaders must learn to overcome opposition and serve and support their team to succeed. Success is hard, and leaders must consider the weight of their strength, endurance, patience, and resilience.

To make a positive impact, consider the impact on others and plan how to serve them. Ensure employees have the resources and time to perform their jobs effectively, build in fun and good times, and find small steps to increase employee happiness.

Being a true leader requires courage and the ability to serve others. Leaders should make the most of their time and be a positive influence on their family, friends, peers, subordinates, company, and the world around them. By doing what they can, leaders can make a difference in many ways and contribute to the success of their organization.

Jessup raised nearly a billion dollars in donations and in-kind gifts for his university. He initially focused on teaching and research but realized the importance of philanthropy. He identified potential donors and successfully solicited their contributions. Jessup views the money he raised as his legacy and encourages other leaders to examine their daily lessons, as they will become their legacy in time. He believes leadership is a gift and privilege, and leaders should remain "self less as a state of action" to learn and leave a worthwhile legacy.

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