Reading the servant leadership chapter brought to mind one of my greatest passions, my role as a Big Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program. This particular theory resonates from the top of the BBBS organization to the bottom. For those unfamiliar with the program, Big Brothers Big Sisters coordinates matches between a mentor and a child who needs a consistent presence and role model in their lives. Often these children are from single parent homes or a home where one parent is incarcerated.
On the local level, Mary is our acting CEO. In her role, she is ultimately responsible for everything that is delegated among the organization – fundraising, recruitment, match support, social activities, and the list goes on. While I believe she personifies all ten characteristics of a servant leader (Northouse, 2013), as mentioned on page 221 of the text book, I will focus on just a select few. First, empathy is certainly part of the job. Mary has been with the organization for over twenty years, so she is exceptionally able to understand where someone on her staff is coming from, as she has held all of the positions she now oversees. (Northouse, 2013) Healing also plays a large role in her job. Every mentor/mentee is given a Match Support Specialist, who is their personal point of contact at BBBS. The Match Support Specialist checks in regularly to make sure things are running smoothly but are also there in times of tragedy, which can be a difficult position to hold. A few years ago, just months after I was matched with my Little Sister Kayla, I was the victim of a violent crime in my home and as a result, my dog passed away. Kayla was very close to the dog and I was dealing with my own emotions while trying to figure out how to make sure this 11 year old girl would be okay when she heard. I leaned very heavily on my Match Support Specialist for guidance, who then leaned heavily on Mary to help her do her job. It takes a great deal of healing ability to be a strong person and continue providing necessary support to help overcome challenges. (Northouse, 2013)
The servant leadership theory tends to trickle down through an organization such as BBBS. In addition to Mary’s leadership and many of the same traits being seen in the support team, as a “Big”, I am also expected to maintain many of the traits as a mentor to a young person. Personally, I believe the most used traits of a Big Sister/Brother would include listening, persuasion and commitment to the growth of people. My Little Sister, who was 11 when we met, is now 16 and just got her drivers license (help!). Early on, conversations were of the Jonas Brothers and Justin Bieber. Now, she asks questions about politics, death penalty issues she hears on the news and other big issues on her mind. As one of five children, it’s easy for her to get lost in the mix at home. Listening is often the best way to communicate with her, allowing me to demonstrate that what she has to say matters. (Northouse, 2013) Persuasion is also very important, especially as described in relationship to servant leadership. “Persuasion creates change through the use of gentle nonjudgmental argument.” (Northouse, 2013) For anyone who has tried to persuade a teenager, you understand that pushing harder is not effective. It is more effective to ask good questions and allow her to come to the realization or decision on her own. Finally, commitment to the growth of people. Throughout my relationship with Kayla, BBBS has provided a weekly newsletter, highlighting local events that may provide opportunities for education, relationship building and other useful skills. (Northouse, 2013) Not only do they provide an initial list, but I also keep my ears open for other opportunities. For example, I was able to take Kayla to a workshop for freshmen/sophomores in high school, talking about opportunities for college. It’s very important to me to offer her such options as part of her personal growth.
As seen in this example, leadership is not limited to the very top of an organization. It can also be carried out my subordinates, to their subordinates, in a domino fashion.
(and if you’ve ever thought about becoming a “Big”, do it! One of the most rewarding things you could ever do. http://www.mentorakid.org)
References
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice (6th edition). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.