Why Dr. Yildiz's Servant Leadership Gives Me Hope

The soul of a digital shepherd

Photo by POOYAN ESHTIAGHI on Unsplash

A few days ago, I came across a post that stopped me in my reading path.

The author, clearly distraught, spoke of a "faulty algorithm" and a "payment fiasco" that was impacting thousands of creators. Reading their words, a wave of empathy washed over me. I knew that feeling—the gut-wrenching sense of injustice when your hard work is devalued, your passion seemingly crushed by an uncaring system.

But this wasn't just another disgruntled writer venting online. This was Dr Mehmet Yildiz, a man I've come to deeply admire in the digital writing space. He wasn't just lamenting his own losses; he was fighting for his community of writers, his voice shaking with righteous anger on their behalf.

I came to admire Dr Mehmet Yildiz through reading his various publications, essays, and books. One thing that I saw in his digital presence was that he was modeling the servant leadership framework in the uncharted territory of online creation.

He isn’t about self-promotion or chasing clout. He prioritizes empathy, upholds integrity, and prioritizes the needs of others. And in a world where algorithms reign supreme and writers often feel like cogs in a machine, Dr. Yildiz's commitment to his fellow creators gives me hope.

More Than Just a Buzzword: Defining Servant Leadership

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Servant leadership? Isn't that just another corporate buzzword?"

Coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970, the concept describes a leader who prioritizes the growth and well-being of their followers.

Consider this: traditional leadership frequently emphasizes the leader at the pinnacle of the hierarchy, guiding and managing those beneath them. Servant leadership flips that pyramid, placing the leader at the bottom, supporting and empowering those they lead.

Science backs this up. Studies have shown that servant leadership leads to increased trust, engagement, and creativity within teams. It fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which, let's face it, is something we all crave in this increasingly isolating digital world.

A Shepherd in the Digital Age: Dr. Yildiz's Quiet Revolution

So, how does this translate to the world of online writing?

Dr. Yildiz isn't just a prolific writer and editor (he has "written 2000+ stories on EUPHORIA reflecting his 42 years of research and 50+ years of life lessons enjoyed by over 100K followers. He participated in the boost program as a nominator on Medium, helping hundreds of articles to be boosted and contributing to the growth of the platform"); he's built a thriving community on Substack, a platform where writers can connect with their audience directly.

He's created a space where writers feel valued, supported, and empowered to share their voices. He tirelessly promotes their work, offers guidance and mentorship, and champions their success. He creates books, co-creates, and mentors—a comprehensive training programs to help writers build their skills and build their own audiences. He is an extraordinary creator (and personally, I have no idea how he does it all, but that’s his secret to keep!)

But what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. In his latest article, "This Is My Last Story on Medium Until the Algorithm Is Fairly Adjusted," he bravely calls out Medium for its recent algorithm changes that have decimated writers' earnings. He articulates the injustice clearly and demands accountability.

This isn't about personal gain. It's about standing up for what's right, even when it's risky. It's about using his platform to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard. And that is the essence of servant leadership.

Why This Matters

The digital world requires more leaders, not just followers. We need leaders who refuse to let algorithms dictate our worth, who see beyond the metrics and recognize the heart of creativity within each of us.

Dr. Yildiz has shown us what's possible. He's ignited a spark of resistance, a ray of hope in the algorithmic storm. But he can't do it alone.

This isn't just about Medium; it's about the soul of online writing. It's about every writer who pours their heart onto the page, every voice yearning to be heard. Are we going to let those voices be silenced by cold, calculating algorithms? Are we going to stand by and watch as creativity is crushed under the weight of profit margins?

No. We must rise. We must join the chorus of voices demanding change. We must become the shepherds of our own digital flocks, nurturing and protecting the creative spirit.

Here's what you can do:

• Amplify the message: Share Dr. Yildiz's story, and others like it. Let the world know that we won't stand for a digital world that devalues creators.

• Support ethical platforms: Seek out platforms that prioritize writers, that foster community, and that value quality over clicks.

• Find your own flock: Build your own community, whether it's a writing group, a forum, or a simple online chat. Connect with other writers, offer support, and share your struggles and triumphs.

• Demand transparency: Hold platforms accountable. Demand clear explanations of their algorithms and how they impact creators.

• Never stop creating: Don't let the algorithms silence you. Keep writing, keep sharing, keep your voice alive.

The future of online writing depends on us. It depends on our willingness to stand together, to fight for what's right, and to champion the voices that deserve to be heard.

Let's create a digital world where creativity thrives, community flourishes, and every voice matters.

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