Servant Leadership Strategies

In The Case for Servant Leadership, author Dr. Kent M. Keith proposes that servant leadership is the most beneficial wholesome for a leadership model. Keith presents that the power leadership model does more harm than good, lacks problem solving, fails to grasp opportunities, and does not have the intention to create a better world unlike the service leadership model.

The foundation of my personal leadership philosophy can be found in the principles of servant leadership as spelled out by Greenleaf (1970, 1977). Leadership is granted to individuals who are by nature servants. An individual emerges as a leader by first becoming a servant. Servant leaders attend to the needs of those they serve and help them become more informed, free, self-sufficient, and like servants themselves. Leaders and those they serve improve, enhance, and develop each other through their connection. A leader must also be conscious of inequalities and social injustices in the organizations they serve and work actively to resolve those issues. Servant leaders rely less on the use of official power and control, but focus on empowering those they

From the group Biblical Integration Paper, it was understood that servant-leadership is not only a gift of purpose that God places in the hearts of His people, but it is also a calling in one’s life to truly touch the lives of others in need. Living a successful life, as a servant-leader is not one that focuses on self-fulfillment, rather it is in seeking a fulfillment that comes from Christ when one pours him/herself out for the sake of others. It is through servant-leadership that one is able to bring hope into hopeless situations (Group Integration Paper,

Throughout this past week I have had several misconceptions resolve regarding servant leadership that have resolved. The main misconception or preconception that I had was that servant leaders were pushovers and that they would have difficulty in leading others to reach a common goal. Through the readings that were assigned, specificially in chapter 6, I now understand that a servant leader values relationships with their follwers and by doing so that they can use the gained trust to influence them to reach a common goal (DelHousaye & Brewer, 2004). I had never really thought about how much influence played a part in the success of a leader until this class and yet I completely agree. I think back to the mangers that I have had

Although the notion of servant leadership has been recognized in leadership literature since Burns' (1978) and Greenleaf's (1977) publications, the movement has gained momentum only recently. Bowman (1997) argues that to date there is only anecdotal evidence to support a commitment to an understanding of servant leadership.

When facing crucial conversations such as conflicts or negotiations, people tend to look to autocratic or commanding leaders; organizations seldom see servant leaders as the person for the job. Although servant leadership is finding its way into contemporary discussions of effective leadership styles, people still view it as the characterization of a “weak or meek” leader (Collins, 2001, Kindle location 531). The Gospels, however, reveal that Jesus, the epitome of servant leadership, competently addressed critical conversations throughout his ministry (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 11:15-17, John 6:25-60, Matthew 16:21-23). While some may credit Jesus’s success to his divinity, this argument does not hold for those who followed his example of servant leadership. In contrast, Wilkes suggests the effectiveness of Jesus’s ministry was because of his servant leadership, rather than despite it.

Three attributes a servant leader must have are the abilities to be selfless, respectful, and hard working. Finding ways to help your community through volunteering could be considered selfless. Listening to and valuing others opinions could be considered respectful. Fighting hard to reach a common goal with a sports team could be considered hardworking. Having completed these actions, I would consider myself a servant leader.

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 leadership approach shares a powerful sentiment within the work environment, this approach puts the needs of others first and helps staff development by performing as highly as possible. As an aspiring leader, servant leadership approach is the most effective tool used to motivate and grow subordinates to perform at their best.

The field in which I intend to develop a career is college access programs. I believe universal access to quality higher education will help individuals build a sense of purpose in the world by contributing to the collective well-being, ultimately creating a just world. The interest began in 2014, the year I began questioning the concept of college after being encouraged to enroll, attend, and graduate from college for 12 years. The question began the instance I started noticing that the role models I grew up with lacked formal education yet they lived happy lives; I wanted to be like them.

A prominent religious leader in my community is quoted as saying that “life is business and business is life. If you learn one, you learn the other.” This quote implies that the day-to-day operations of any successful business are comparable to the steps required to live a complete and balanced life. Understanding the intricacies of what makes a person happy is not only advisable, but crucial, in being successful in any business endeavor. In the status quo, many corporations have dishonest or harsh practices which belittle the workers and exalt those seen in a position of power. However, this is what kills the “life” of those involved, and eventually what kills the business as well. This is why the servant-leadership mentality is so important in the emerging business

In the process of becoming a leader, I have had the opportunity to learn a variety of leadership styles. “The Servant Leadership caught my eye as it begins with “the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first”. In chapter ten, I was able to identify the characteristics of Jesus as the first servant Leader; I quickly connected the passage to a bible verse Matthew 20:26 “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. “I make a strong connection with Greenleaf’s phrase that the “servant-leader is servant first.” Jesus is the perfect role model of servant leadership. Throughout my life, I have encountered numerous leadership styles and for that, I am thankful that I had the opportunity to learn from them.

Some of the greatest leaders have been in the form of teachers or professors that have had enough courage to engage, interact with, and mentor students from a servant leadership model. Utilizing my faith in the Lord and the desire he has given me to serve others I strive to be able to use the skills I have gained from my education in Organizational Leadership to become one of those teachers. Seeking to create an atmosphere where anyone, including myself can learn and grow within their knowledge of service to others. I strongly believe that how a persons serves others and the motive behind the service portrays the quality of the person character.

Servant leadership is a set of practices that enriches the lives of people, builds better organizations, and ultimately builds a more just and caring world. People are not usually pre-destined to be a servant or leader, rather it is an individual’s choice to serve or lead. The perception of what a leader looks like is often mis-understood. Leaders are often viewed as a President, King or Queen, top executive in business or the highest religious leader, such as the Pope. In contrast, leaders can be found at the highest and lowest ranks throughout government, royal staff, in business, and religious organizations. Leadership is everyone’s business. To be an effective leader no matter the position we must follow the same practices. The five practices of a servant leader are Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart (Leadership Challenge, Kouves and Posner). Jesus Christ taught us using these same five practices. We must live by the motto of “Love All, Serve All” and put others before ourselves to become the greatest 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