Mark A Kern, DBA

People-Centered Leader Transforming Teams Through Strategic Leadership & Mentoring

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Managing vs. Serving: The Leadership Divide Every New Manager Must Face

Posted on 20 July 202526 July 2025 by Mark Kern

Let’s be honest: the world doesn’t need more managers who chase metrics, wield authority, and confuse control with influence. It needs servant leaders.

And here’s the tension — as a new manager, you’ll be told to “set the pace,” “own your authority,” and “drive performance.” You’ll feel the pull to lead with visibility and power. But that pull? It’s often ego dressed as excellence.

❌ Traditional Management says: Lead from the top. Protect your turf. Define success by measurable outcomes.

✅ Servant Leadership insists: Lead from behind. Elevate others. Define success by growth — yours and theirs.

It’s not a weakness. It’s the kind of leadership that builds resilient cultures, trust-filled teams, and workplaces that actually thrive.

If you’re a new manager, ask yourself:
🔹 Do I want to be a boss or a builder?
🔹 Am I managing people or stewarding purpose?

Choosing servant leadership isn’t trendy — it’s transformational. Especially now, when teams are hungry for leaders who listen, empower, and serve with humility.

👣 The real challenge? Integrating it into your daily routine.
But if you do, your leadership won’t just be noticed — it’ll be remembered.

#LeadershipDevelopment #ServantLeadership #NewManagers #FaithInLeadership #TeamGrowth #LeadershipJourney #ValuesDriven

 

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About

Dr. Mark Kern, is a seasoned business administration professional with extensive experience bridging the worlds of federal revenue management and academia.

With a Doctorate of Business Administration from Liberty University, an MBA with a Marketing Concentration, and a BS in Business Administration with an Economics Concentration—both from the University of Kansas—Mark has built a distinguished career that combines practical leadership in large organizations with a passion for teaching and mentoring.

Currently serving in senior roles at the Internal Revenue Service, Mark leads teams dedicated to securing delinquent returns and implementing vital tax enforcement strategies. His expertise spans managing complex projects, mentoring emerging leaders through specialized programs, and driving strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency. His leadership experience is further bolstered by previous roles in revenue assurance and security, underscoring a career-long commitment to excellence in public service.

Mark’s multifaceted expertise, rigorous academic background, and real-world leadership make him a unique asset in both industry and higher education. He is continually pursuing innovative research, most recently exploring the dynamics of community engagement and financial stewardship within church organizations.

Whether in the classroom or at the helm of critical projects at the IRS, Mark's career is marked by a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and a strategic vision for the future.

Academic Experience

In addition to his federal service, Mark is a dedicated educator. As an Adjunct Instructor at Highland Community College, he has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of business professionals by teaching courses in business fundamentals, accounting, human resources, and personal finance.

His hands-on approach to teaching—characterized by engaging curriculum design, interactive course materials, and individualized support—reflects his belief in empowering students through knowledge.

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  • Faith-Informed Leadership Today: Don Bosco’s Preventive System Reimagined for Modern Leaders
  • Managing vs. Serving: The Leadership Divide Every New Manager Must Face
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