The Five Practices Of A Servant Leader

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

“Servant Leadership” throughout history has always been a vital concept to grasp as leaders, however the actual term was not coined until the 1970’s by Robert Greenleaf in his essay The Servant as a Leader. Greenleaf depicts the concept of servant leadership as being a servant first meaning the leader is always willing, ready, and eager to assist those around them in order to create the best environment for everyone to work towards achieving goals.

A servant leader is one who leads by example. I describe myself as a servant leader because I like to be in the work with the people I lead. Leading by example has helped me be a more successful leader with a loyal following because they believe I have their best interest at heart. This type of leadership helped me to successfully move the needle of success for my high school boarding house, where I was the house prefect. When used in the workplace in recent years, I learned that to prevent burnout I had to delegate and not necessarily do everything with the team.

Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr. echoes the teachings of Jesus throughout his life by promoting the adoption of servant leadership. In one of his sermons in 1968, he tells his followers that all of them can be leaders because they can all serve others (Get Involved, 2018). Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesus simplify and summarize the whole concept of servant leadership by merely stating that one can only be a leader if one serves others. Similar sentiments are shared in Archie B. Carroll’s article, “Servant Leadership: An ideal for nonprofit organizations,” which profoundly expounds on servant leadership. Below is a discussion of the critical concepts of servant leadership as explained by the article and their relevance to my life and work.

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.

Servant leadership is a theory based on the notion that one should be a servant to others first, and a leader second. A person should have the desire to serve others, in order to be a servant-leader. The following paper will address several key components of the servant leadership philosophy related to the book: The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership, written by James C. Hunter. First, I will examine the theory of servant leadership including its history, definitions, and major concepts. Next, the function of this leadership style in the field of nursing and nursing roles will be discussed. Finally, how this philosophy can be utilized in my personal nursing practice and how the theory has sparked personal growth in myself as a leader will be examined.

Servant leadership is the act of leading a follower or followers in such a way that the foremost concern of the leader is the wellbeing and growth of their follower(s), and then the accomplishment of the task at hand. Their follower(s) should eventually become self-sufficient and be able to pass their knowledge and skills on to others .

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.

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 is defined as, the process through which a leader or even an organization, identify the need to serve others first, and then use this aspiration to lead others. It is more of a situation of serve-first then leads (Greenleaf, 2007). This concept is credited to Robert Greenleaf, who is said to be the ‘father’ of servant leadership. This type of leadership prioritizes on the need to use relevant leadership skills and techniques, so as to efficiently and effectively serve others. Servant leadership is closely related to the participative leadership style, where other people including employees, are involved in the decision-making process in an organization or even in a country (Hawkinson & Johnston, 2013).

In attempting to develop a theory of servant leadership, researchers have accumulated a great many characteristics attributed to a servant leader, some of which overlap (Northouse, 2016). While other leadership theories may focus on what a leader does (i.e. behavior), servant leadership theory is primarily defined by a leader’s character and dedication to serving others (Parris & Peachey, 2013). Although both authentic leadership and servant leadership include elements of morality and ethics, servant leadership concentrates on the selfless aspect (Northouse, 2016). Servant leadership is capable of encouraging high amounts of trust and loyalty in followers (Parris & Peachey). A servant leader’s dedication to the group ensures that they will be well received and thought of well by followers. This may be seen as a strength, but also possibly a weakness, since this may lead to close minded types of groupthink if followers never questioned their leader. Another possible limitations of servant leadership theory is that there is little agreement on exactly what it is or what it should entail (Northouse, 2016). Although it is possible this will change as more research is done in this

As we develop into leaders, one of the things we need to know is what it means to be a servant leader. Today such examples are greatly lacking. Servant leadership is a choice by a leader to follow the example of The Jesus Christ and The Mother Teresa and lead by serving, becoming a bondservant and giving his life for others. Servant leadership is an inner attitude of the heart by which a person chooses to place himself or herself under the leadership of Jesus Christ and Mother Teresa. Christ often invited people to follow him. Some followed and many did not. One of the things to understand is the difference between obedience and submission. A person in authority or general leader in our present society can command for obedience.

According to Wheeler (2011), “servant leadership is not a set of techniques or activities. It is a way of being, a philosophy of living and influencing” (p. 13). As Wheeler noted (2011),

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