It’s no surprise that people argue the term servant leadership, without even learning the details of the process. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a servant is defines as “one that performs duties.” Although this word can be used in many different definitions, people usually use this word in a downgrading way. But in this context, if a leader chooses to follow the servant model, then he aims to help his followers develop and become leaders themselves.
I believe that leaders should prioritise ethic in any leadership model they follow; therefore a leader that has the desire to serve others and be altruistic is a type of leader I’d want in my work environment. On the other hand, Ali Agaoglu, the Turkish real estate king, is a type of leader I loathe. He’s very successful, rich, and active for his age- but his leadership and personal skills are horrendous. In an interview held by BBC, Agaoglu is giving a tour of his house in Istanbul. As they are roaming around in his bedroom, the reporter asks Agaoglu if the purple high heeled shoes and purple bag belong to him. Agaoglu says that the girls left them around, and they don’t belong to him, “but their users are his property.” (The subtitled video can be found below.)
https://www.facebook.com/SexLahmacunRocknRoll/videos/1400802870032266/?hc_ref=SEARCH
Powerful and influential leaders like him should always remember to treat their followers with respect and kindness. Being a leader such as him in a developing country should not only give you status and power, but also make you responsible for setting a good example for the society. Leaders should analyze the teachings of humanistic philosophies and try to fit these teachings into their work and personal life. Leaders should also understand the tricks of the servant leadership style, and not let the negativity of the word servant block them from helping develop new, ethical leaders.
Savannah Howard says
Leaders should definitely set a good example and be good role models. As much as we think this though, like the leader you are talking about, many powerful and famous leaders are not the best role models. Sometimes the power gets to their heads, I believe. With reference to the servant leadership style, I think no matter which style of leadership you choose, you need some of the characteristics associated with servant leadership. The characteristics really help mold a leader into a positive one and a good example for others. For instance, a leader who exhibits “conceptualizing, emotional healing, putting followers first, helping followers succeed, behaving ethically, and creating value for the community” (PSU, 2017) will have more positive experiences being a leader and most likely be more successful with their followers. Like you said we have to desensitize the word servant. In this scenario, the word is something positive that could really take an individuals leadership to the next level!
Pennsylvania State University World Campus (2017). Lesson 11: Servant Leadership. Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1834747/modules/items/21827938