Servant leadership challenges the traditional beliefs about what a leader should be. “Leaders influence and servants follow. How can a person be a leader and a servant at the same time” (Northouse, 2013, p. 219)? That question is intriguing as servant leaders are focused on the concerns of their followers and nurture them. The followers are empowered and the leaders attempt to serve the greater good of the organization or community (Northouse, 2013).
It is difficult to identify many servant leaders, as this approach is not used widely. The movie, Patch Adams, is based on the true story of Dr. Patch Adams. I believe that Dr. Adams was a servant leader. He has the characteristics of servant leader, some of which stand out include: empathy, healing, awareness, conceptualization, and commitment to the growth of people. Dr. Adams provided free medical care to over 15,000 patients focusing on both medical and emotional needs. He organizes people to travel world-wide to treat patients with non-traditional medical help. Dr. Adams also developed a medical center where people can get free care that is not covered by insurance.
He believes in a greater cause than following the authority set forth in the medical field. He went against the common beliefs and led a large group of believers in his quest to help people. He is a servant of the people. His leadership skills encompass important components. He had a vision of helping people, he had the skills necessary to provide patient care, and he formed good relationships with his followers to execute his quest.
Servant leaders have a positive impact on society. “Servant leadership focuses on the behaviors leaders should exhibit to put followers first and to support followers’ personal development” (Northouse, 2013, p. 232). Patch Adams is solely focused on his subordinates and he has positive outcomes from his approach. He has convinced others to follow him and work towards the common goal of helping people. He is successful across the globe.
Dr. Patch Adams is committed to helping others. His leadership exists solely for the sake of others and he has developed a community that cares for others. Servant leadership results in community and societal chance. This is certainly the case in Dr. Patch Adams and his purpose for leading others. He is a great example of a servant leader.
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership Theory and Practice (6th ed.) Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications Inc.