Shannon, you give great points about why you think servant leadership should be conceptualized as a behavior rather than as a trait. You also give a great summary at the last two paragraphs about what affects servant leadership, and how this make this behavior constantly change.
While personality traits are definitely part of this leadership style, there are so many contributions that will make servant behavior change throughout a lifespan thanks to experiences and the environment. Northouse (2016) describes that " Servant leaders put followers first, empower them, and help them develop their full personal capacities" (pg. 225), for this to happen, a leader has to adapt to the followers. The leader's behavior changes from what he/she learns
Simply, servant leaders hold a view as a servant first and leader second (Owens & Hekman, 2012). Moreover, servant leaders emphasize personal responsibility for the organization and all internal and external stakeholders (Peterson, Galvin, & Lange, 2012). As stated, expressing a genuine concern and care for people are a basis of servant leadership. In addition, servant leadership also focuses on the growth of
To be a successful servant leader one must have a true honest desire to want others around them to be successful. The major strength of the servant leader is their contribution of the organization they are leading. I believe this type of leadership really aligns
This article poses a very vital question to the perspective leader. It simply asks, “Do you have what it takes to be a servant leader?” The authors of the article introduce servant leadership by asking a series of questions, which causes the reader to determine if they may be a perspective servant leader. Next, the article focuses on 11 characteristics that identify a servant leader. Some of
Moreover, while taking the Leadership Foundations Class, there were many lessons that provided me with tools to be an efficient leader. However, when my teacher exposed the class to servant leadership, I immediately took interest in it. At this moment, I finally directed my leadership to embody the qualities of a servant leader. Some of which include: acting with humility, encouraging the new generation of young leaders, valuing diverse opinions, and serving others before
Servant leadership begins when a leader is selfless and understands the nature of being a servant. The term servant leadership was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in “The Servant as Leader” essay which was published in 1970. The mindset of a servant leader is one who wants to give back to others first and believes in selfless service. The ability to lead and aspire to be selfless is a skill every leader does not have. Over time, servant leaders like Nelson Mandela and Angela Merkel have been seen in their perspective countries. From childhood to young adults, both Mandela and Merkel has should servant leader qualities in their demographics.
Servant leadership is a theory based on Robert K Greenleaf’s belief that all men have a primary motivation to serve others and through this service they aspire to lead (Parris & Peachey, 2012). Although this leadership model has very little in common with charismatic and situational does however compare to transformational leadership in several areas. The main area of commonality between the two can be found as transformational leaders serve as stewards to change enable the followers to accept the change and move forward with the organization (Tichy & Devanna, 1990, p. 75). In essence, servant leadership becomes the long-term transformational approach to life and work.
In the process of interviewing a servant leader, this paper investigates the defining behavior of servant leadership from a practical and philosophical standpoint. There are practical behavioral characteristics that can be uniformly integrated into the business infrastructure that is founded upon Biblical principles yet not used as a pool to proselytize. Through research and group discussion boards, this paper analyzes the institutional applications and the interpersonal relationships
2014.) This style of servant leadership emphasizes a holistic approach to work and community, while sharing decision making powers with others (Schwantes, 2015.) These examples of servant leadership elevate both leaders and followers morally and ethically (Sendjaya, Sarros, & Santora, 2008.) When leadership takes this approach, many decisions become more obvious, and to an extent easier to make. While leadership sets these goals or standards that may seem unreasonable to others, once they are established, they become not just the standard way of operating, but for many the standard way of living. These servant leaders also demonstrate that they put their followers first, organizations second, and themselves last in their careers (Sendjaya et al.
When it comes to describing leadership that has a set of practices that enriches the lives of people, build strong organizations and creates a moral and caring world Servant leadership comes to mind. Developed by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970, Servant leadership is a theoretical framework of set practices that advocates leader motivation and the role of service to people and its community. A simple and profound quote by Mr. Greenleaf captures the essence and powerful concept of the theory of Servant leadership “…The great leader is seen as a servant first…” (Smith, 2005, p. 3). The quote suggests that a servant leader has a natural inclination as a person that wants to serve first, which is a sharp contrast to a person who is a leader first. The servant first and the leader first is two polar opposites, the leader first is power driven to acquire material wealth, whereas servant leader aspires to better serve others to meet their needs before the leader
Servant leaders are constructive, persistent, and motivating. They are also leaders who see complex, big pictures. (St. Thomas University Online, 2015). This makes them very engaging and full of energy which is a good trait as mentioned by Jack Welch in his 4 Es.
Servant leadership is always looking for other the followers needs and other people who needs his/her help (see: Kelly A. Phipps, J.D., Ph.D. , 2010). “ Don't do anything from selfish ambition, or from a cheap desire to boast. but be humble towards each other, never thinking you are better than others. And look out for each other's interests, not just for your own”. (Phil 2:3-4). As well as values that character of servant leadership consisted of it, There; trust and appreciate other as well as empowerment. that is the most aspect for servant leadership (see: Robert F. Russell, 2001).
Servant leadership starts with the leader first being a servant. It begins with wanting to serve others. Leaders are typically inspired to lead. Servant leaders have a primary focus on growth and well-being for their organization. Servant leadership is different from the traditional style of leadership, in that it shares its power and the needs of others are always put first. According to Robert Greenleaf, organizations as well as individuals can be servant-leaders.
As written in the lines above, employee engagement has a significant impact on an employee and their engagement. Although there has been many articles and research written about leadership and servant leadership, in this study, it will provide and overview, key traits and influences that servant leaders use in collaboration to address significant problems with strategy and other individuals. Therefore, how do managers and leaders facilitate the engagement of their employees? Leaders do this through their leadership style. In 1970, Robert K. Greenleaf identified servant-leadership, which was different from the traditional views of leadership. According to Greenleaf, “The servant-leader is a servant first. Servant
Greenleaf (2002) defined servant leadership as leaders who are servant leaders who aspire to serve first, and then choose to lead. Greenleaf identified some common servant leadership characteristics as being love, humility, altruism, vision, trust, empower and service. Shaw & Newton (2014) made a statement that the practice of servant leadership in schools could have a similar impact, particularly as it relates to teacher satisfaction and retention.
This review acknowledges that additional empirical research is needed on servant leadership especially its current and potential future role in organisations. The authors state that Greenleaf warned that servant leadership would be extremely difficult to apply in an operational setting such as a company.