Thought for the Week - 4/28/08

"The true leader serves. Serves people. Serves their best interests, and in doing so will not always be popular, may not always impress. But because true leaders are motivated more by loving concern than a desire for personal glory, they are willing to pay the price." - Eugene B. Habecker

Over the past four decades, a “quiet revolution has been taking place in workplaces around the world” (Spears, 2004). Known as “Servant Leadership,” this revolution has come about as a result of organizations competing to retain qualified, committed employees,

According to Robert Greenleaf, “Servant-Leadership is a practical philosophy which supports people who choose to serve first, and then lead as a way of expanding service to individuals and institutions” (Spears, 2004). Servant Leaders may or may not hold formal leadership positions.

Servant Leadership encourages collaboration, trust, foresight, listening, and the ethical use of power and empowerment. In addition, Greenleaf suggests such traits as, listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, stewardship and building community as important to Servant Leadership.

Leaders who internalize the Servant Leadership lifestyle through the practice of specific behavioral traits, become a product of their efforts. There is a personal transformation of self that extends beyond the organization. It is a lifestyle or alteration in one’s worldview.

What are your personal thoughts/beliefs regarding Servant Leadership?