Thought for the Week - 3/31/08

"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant." - Max DePree

Many of the leaders we talk to and work with are apprehensive about the concept of Servant Leadership. Actually, it is not the "concept" of Servant Leadership that they are uncomfortable about, it is the implementation.

We believe that one of the hardest skills for a leader to learn is the fine art of delegation. Some leaders believe that Servant Leadership means that you abdicate your role, responsibility and authority as a leader. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Effective Servant Leaders never abdicate, the delegate. They are clear about what they expect, that set clear and reasonable parameters, the provide the necessary support and resources, and they remain in touch and available as needed.

What do you consider to be the hardest thing about delegation?