“To me, a servant leader is someone who is kind, empathetic, someone who puts the needs of others ahead of their own and someone who empowers others to dream.” Chris Hintz, a senior in high school, hit the nail on the head when giving his TedxYouth Talk on applying for colleges.
Chris mentioned struggling with what to put in that “giant white box,” when applying for colleges, that asked in what ways he’s expressed leadership. Then he realized that there were many forms of leadership and that he has more experience than he initially realized- including helping with the Special Olympics. He is inspired by his brother, Sean, who has special needs. He states that it is because of Sean that he wants to be kind, caring and inspiring. He states that Servant Leadership leaders’ actions speak louder than words.
This all shows that Chris is demonstrating Servant Leadership in the best ways. He is empathetic of his brother, conceptualizing his future of being a leader and in college, building a community with the Special Olympics, being aware of himself and being persuasive in his TedxYouth Talk. For someone who is only a senior in high school, he has done a very good job so far of being a leader. He has plenty of time to grow and finish the rest of the 10 parts included in being that servant leader, if he hasn’t already.
Hintz, C. (2012). Servant Leadership: Chris Hintz at TEDxYouth@FHS. Retrieved July 27, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDEC3SOERcE
Northouse, P. G. (2015). Introduction to leadership. concepts and practice. Los Angeles: Sage.