Robert K. Greenleaf: Servant Leadership

Servant leadership can be defined as a, “philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world” (What is Servant Leadership). Robert Greenleaf first introduced the idea of servant leadership in 1977 as a way to transform leadership to focus on serving others including employees, customers and the community (Marquis and Huston, 2015). Due to the primary focus of serving others, it comes to no surprise that servant leadership and its supporting characteristics are gaining popularity in the nursing field. Although most sources identify ten characteristics of servant leadership, this paper will focus on listening, empathy and building community (Kumar, 2010).

Originating in the seminal work of Greenleaf, servant leadership is a paradoxical approach to leadership that challengers our traditional beliefs about leadership and influence. Servant leadership emphasizes that leaders should be attentive to the needs of the followers, empower them, and help them develop their full human capacities. They build strong relationships, with others, are empathic, and ethical, and lead in ways that serve the greater good of followers, organizations, and the community.

The type of leadership most noticeable in the service activity was servant leadership. Servant leadership was first introduced in 1970 by Robert K. Greenleaf in the essay “The Servant Leader”. In his essay Greenleaf says “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature.” (Greenleaf, 1970) Greenleaf essentially

Servant-leadership is a way of life that evolves and matures with the passage of time. This way of life transforms spiritual people, with strong and stable emotions, into someone who has a deep understanding

Servant Leadership describes a leadership style that focuses on serving the needs of the team, client or

The term, “servant leadership” was first coined in 1970 by Robert K. Greenleaf (Marquis & Huston, 2015). The concept was introduced in Greenleaf’s essay, The Servant as Leader (Greenleaf, 1991). In Greenleaf’s essay he mentions that a servant leader focuses on the growth, as well as the wellbeing of the people and the communities that they belong in (Greenleaf, 1991). A servant leader helps others work at their best, which I believe results in authority for the servant leader. Hunter’s book mentions this when a student discovers that the right to be called a leader starts out with having the proper will. With the proper will, comes the decision to love others (Hunter, 1998). He defines “loving others” as the ability to meeting the needs of the subordinate, this leads to

These says that; servant leaders have good communication and listening, as well as self awareness skills. These enables the leader to listen and respect the views of his or her followers and deal with a problem well. The servant leaders also understand and emphasize with other people. And have the ability to heal others in addition tothemselves. They are able to persuade rather than use power to force compliance from others. In addition to this, they also committed to their responsibilities and look beyond limits of their work setting as well as foresee the outcomes that are likely to result from particular decision or activity. Lastly, servant leaders are interested in stewardess and building community. Meaning that they value helping or serving others and building relationship with the

Often cited, and the earliest notable reference to servant leadership, is recorded in the Biblical teachings attributed to Jesus Christ, when he said to his twelve disciples, "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." (from the Bible, King James version, Matthew 20:27) .The same pronouncement is reported in the book of Mark, chapter 9:35: "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."

Servant leadership is a vital element in the most successful companies in the United States. The concept of servant leadership has been around for a long time and for good reason. It’s a solid concept whose potential is finally being realized. The following pages will examine the benefits of servant leadership and what it is. Its role in the workplace will be examined and why it plays a crucial function in the success of any organization.

Servant leaders are much like mentors and teachers they believe in building strong relationships and bonds with those they work with or in their ways of thinking work for. Servant leaders find the best in people and try to bring that out in them so they develop ways to grow their self and their skills/talents. Servant leaders have a way of looking out for the needs of others, and do what they can to help and meet those needs.

Servant Leadership is a leadership style that leads by example, does not take credit for deeds done, and makes themselves as humble as possible to serve others. Servant leadership is focusing on serving the highest needs of others to help another individual achieve their personal goals. Servant leadership has to be developed by the person in the leadership role. The leader has got to be aware of themselves as a person before they can be aware of someone else’s needs. The leader has to be a moral and ethical person and have many positive qualities before they can see what another person truly needs. Once a servant leader has these they can start working to meet goals (Trastek, 2014).

What is servant leadership? Servant leadership is shown when an individual or an organization thrives to support others around them and uses their power to make others stronger.

I agree with what Jeff mentioned in his post that this is a cohesive group. I am extremely interested in factors that result in the elimination of poverty, leadership, and the interdependence between human capital and growth. I read extensively and try to keep up to date with current political and economic affairs in the US and around the globe. In addition, I enjoy watching documentaries and research on certain topics online. My first exposure to leadership in an academic setting was during my MBA as I had two classes on leadership theories and I have fallen in love with the subject of leadership ever since.

Servant leadership means being a part of something significantly bigger than our everyday lives. Participating in Alabama Action has given me the privilege to connect with the community of Tuscaloosa and contribute to making it a better place. It is truly remarkable to see how much a week’s worth of time can have such a huge impact on the lives of others. For instance, as each teacher would pass they were just overjoyed with excitement and would repeatedly say thank you. In addition, every child would just light up with a huge smile as they walked into the room. Giving back and helping others establishes a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction because it strengthens communities and improves individual lives by making a difference. It is

The servant-leader is first a servant then a leader. The servant leader is one who has a natural feeling to serve ones community first then with the aspiration to lead in the community. A servant leader is very different from someone who’s first instinct is to lead