When looking at a household we seen an important leader one that is different than others and that is a mother. A mother is a perfect example of a servant leader; my mother was the head of the house, and the person that was keeping it all together. A servant leader is when a leader can put followers first, empower them and help them develop to their full capacity. (Northouse, 2016) When reading that definition, it sounds exactly like a mother. When looking at many mothers one would be able to see that mothers have a maternal extinct. A servant leader can put their followers first and mothers are able to put their children first. Being a mother is a selfless act they can put their children’s needs in front of any of their own. After putting their followers first, servant leaders can empower their followers. This is something else that can be seen in a mother. Empowerment is a major part of parenting. The mothers know can empower their children and make sure that they are living up to their potential. Children need to be empowered they need to know that they have the potential to do anything that the want and mothers can give them that because they are servant leaders. The other thing that Northouse discusses is developing the followers to “their full personal capacities.” (Northouse,2016) Which is another perfect example of parenting because they are responsible for developing their children and making sure that they are growing up into responsible and self-sufficient adults.
While looking at the different characteristics of a servant leader one can see why a mother is a servant leader. The first characteristic is the fact that a servant leader “communicates by listening first.” (Northouse, 2016) This is something that mothers can do. If you look at any mother and their children, they can listen first. Mothers spend a large amount of their time listening to their children. They can listen to the needs of their children and making sure that they listening to the wants and needs of the children. Another “characteristic is empathy which is “standing in the shoes” of another person.” (Northouse, 2016) I also have had the joy of being a mother. Though children do not believe that their parents know what they are going through, mothers are able to empathize with their children. As a mother I hurt when my children hurt because I can see the pain that they are going through. One of other characteristics is “servant leaders are committed to helping each person in the organization grow personally and professionally.” (Northouse, 2016) The organization is a family and a mother are the head of that organization. From my own personal experience from having a wonderful mother growing up to be a mother now I know how important it is to make sure that we commit to helping them be the best people they can be. Mothers want their children to grow up to be great people and use all their potential. Mothers are a perfect example of a servant leaders they can lead by example, they listen to the needs of their followers, show empathy and are committed to making sure they live up to all their potential.