community

For many individuals, the conventional style of leadership doesn’t quite fit. More specifically, the authoritative and directive style often associated with leading can feel foreign or uncomfortable. However, job responsibilities and other such situations may call for these same individuals to step up into leadership positions. For those who find themselves in such a position, servant leadership may be the solution to their discomfort. This leadership philosophy, which might seem paradoxical at first glance, is deeply rooted in the idea of serving first and leading second. It offers a framework for leaders who prefer to empower and uplift their team members, rather than command and control. Those intrigued by the possibility of guiding others through service will find servant leadership not only accessible but also resonant with their values and approach to collaborative work.

The concept of servant leadership at first seems like an oxymoron. Thinking about such a leadership style often conjures up a mixture of confusion and skepticism. The very phrase seems to contradict the conventional image of a leader, that being a towering figure commanding from the top. Yet, servant leadership flips this notion, depicting a leader as a supporter, not a dictator. It is rooted in the philosophy that the leader exists primarily to address the needs of their team, facilitating the attainment of their goals and the completion of their work (Northouse, 2022). For those who cringe at the thought of traditional authoritarian leadership, the servant leadership model offers a compelling alternative. This model is similar to the path-goal theory’s goal of enhancing the team’s ability, but with a twist. Servant leadership is centered on the personal and professional development of the followers, transforming them into leaders themselves (Northouse, 2022). The theory of servant leadership was first introduced by Greenleaf over four decades ago, but it’s only in recent years that a robust body of research has begun to validate its effectiveness (Northouse, 2022). In contrast to other leadership theories that were quickly adopted, servant leadership was initially viewed as less important. Only with time and the accumulation of evidence did the approach gain recognition as a credible, full-fledged theory. It’s based on the premise that a leader is driven by a genuine will to serve. This foundational service mindset is meant to ripple through the organization, fostering a cycle of personal growth and collective assistance that enhances organizational performance. As researchers have delved deeper into the nuances of this theory, they’ve discovered a correlation between servant leadership and improved organizational outcomes, affirming its viability as a leadership approach.

Servant leadership is not an abstract concept but is characterized by ten distinct traits: awareness, stewardship, empathy, conceptualization, building community, foresight, listening, commitment to the growth of people, healing, and persuasion (Northouse, 2022). These are not simply buzzwords, but the pillars on which servant leadership stands, guiding a leader’s interactions and strategies. They shift the focus from commanding to caring, from dictating to developing, and from self-centered to team-oriented actions. The servant leadership model operates on an input-process-output basis (Northouse, 2022). The inputs, known as antecedent conditions, encompass the existing leadership context, leader attributes, and followers’ openness, all working to shape the leadership dynamics. The process involves servant leader behaviors, which are critical actions leaders take to serve and develop followers, such as emotional healing, ethical conduct, and community enrichment. The output is the improved performance and growth of followers, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and a positive societal impact. This framework emphasizes the transformational influence of servant leadership on both individuals and larger, organizational entities.

At its heart, servant leadership thrives on authenticity. It demands leaders to be clear and forthcoming with their team, treating them as equal stakeholders in the drive to achieve organizational success. This equalizing approach is the bedrock for nurturing a trusting environment where followers are encouraged to evolve into servant leaders themselves, perpetuating a culture of empowerment and self-actualization. However, servant leadership is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It can backfire if implemented by leaders who inherently lean towards authoritative or domineering styles, as it may come off as disingenuous (Northouse, 2022). The most alluring aspect of servant leadership lies in its ethical backbone. It is one of few leadership theories that incorporates altruism as a key component. Its emphasis on nurturing followers’ growth as opposed to simply directing them is another unique aspect that distinguishes it from other leadership styles. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the term ‘servant leadership’ can be misleading, and the theory itself is still a work in progress. There’s also criticism about the moralistic overtones in much of the writing on servant leadership, which could challenge its scientific objectivity (Northouse, 2022).

For those who are uncomfortable with the conventional expectations of leadership, servant leadership provides an appealing alternative. It’s a path that aligns with the values of integrity, community, and mutual growth. To embrace this style, one must adopt a mindset of service, actively seeking to cultivate the ten characteristics within oneself. The transformation to a servant leader involves a commitment to continuous personal development, fostering authentic relationships, and creating a nurturing organizational culture that allows every individual to thrive. By leading through service, one can inspire a domino effect, where each team member is empowered to reach their potential, in turn fostering a collective culture of leadership and performance. Servant leadership is about making a deliberate choice to place the needs of others at the forefront. It’s about building robust, empowering relationships that enable all individuals within the organization to grow and achieve their utmost potential. If your leadership style is one of partnership rather than command, servant leadership offers an impactful way to guide your team and organization to success.

Citations

Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publishing.

I am a very fortunate person. I grew up in a loving home with parents that took excellent care of us (my brother, my sister and I). I had access to excellent schools and a supportive community that worked together to provide opportunities for all of its citizens. I have very clear memories of my parents volunteering wherever and whenever they could to support endeavors that their kids enjoyed, or that would serve the community at large. My father was a volunteer with the local election board (and still works the polls every election day). My mother was a volunteer with the Girl Scouts of America. She was my troop leader from the time I was in 4^th grade until I graduated from High School. She continues her volunteer work today within our church and by extension, with a local support group for women and families that are struggling to get back on their feet after setbacks of homelessness and unemployment (my father helps with that as well). I remember asking them when I was a kid why they do it. They reminded me that it was important to give back to the community that provided so much for us. My parents were clear examples of servant leaders and I found myself drawn to the concept.

Servant Leadership may sound like an oxymoron to most. In many instances, people think that followers serve the leaders – by fulfilling some vision that the leader has for the group. Servant leadership is about so much more than that. It is an attitude or approach to leadership that involves wanting to serve others and essentially putting the needs and feelings of others first so that they grow and evolve and go on to serve others themselves (Northouse, 2013). Larry Spears, a former CEO of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, has documented ten characteristics of a servant leader. They include: listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and building community (Spears, 2010). As a Girl Scout Leader, my mother exemplified each of those ten characteristics. She understood that the girls involved in the program came from varied socio-economic backgrounds, religious faiths, and education levels. She listened to each girl with an empathetic ear. She knew that some of the girls in her troops came from broken homes. Many times I would hear the girls in my troop express envy toward me that my mom was so great they wished she was their mother too. My mom created a safe place for these girls to express love and fear and joy and pain. She helped to heal those hurts and in doing so, created awareness in other girls that not everyone was dealt the same hand in life.

I remember too that my mother was able to work with us as scouts to get involved in helping others as well. Our local community housed a nursing and rehabilitation center for senior citizens – the Pocopson Home. As young scouts, we decorated coffee cans and filled them with holiday cookies to be delivered to the residents there each year. As we got older, we visited the center directly and spent time with the residents – sharing songs and stories and doing crafts together. As our leader, my mom had initiated the program and knew that teaching us about the plight of those less fortunate would help us to understand what types of services the world needs. She was creating future servant leaders through her own leadership. She knew that we each had value and skills that would benefit others. Some of the girls were better at crafts so they were in charge of the can decorating. She also saw that some girls were quiet and reserved. As a servant leader, my mom helped those girls realize that their participation of filling each can with cookies and then putting them in boxes for delivery helped the troop to realize their goals. As we worked together to complete the cans and plan our visits to Pocopson, my mother was creating a community within our troop and she was reminding us (without us even knowing it) that we were part of a larger community. She was, and still is, the embodiment of a servant leader.

Albert Schweitzer is quoted as saying, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” (M2 Communications, 2015). Social media has allowed me to stay in touch with girls that were in those troops. There are pharmacists, stay-at-home-mothers, customer service agents, and even troop leaders themselves. My mother played a part in each of their lives by showing that leadership is not always about one person in charge of or controlling others. It can be about the greater good and keeping the focus on others. It can be about searching for positive outcomes and helping our communities to grow and nurture each other. The selflessness of servant leadership is admirable and I am truly grateful for the role model my mother provided for our family and our community. She is truly a servant leader and I could not be more proud.

M2 Communications. (2015). Leading Thoughts Building A Community of Leaders. Retrieved from Leadership Now: http://www.leadershipnow.com/servicequotes.html

Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership Theory and Practice (Sixth ed.). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Spears, L. C. (2010). Character and Servant Leadership: Ten Characteristics of Effective, Caring Leaders. The Journal of Virtues & Leadership, 25-30.

Servant Leadership: A Guide for the Reluctant Leader

An Honor To Serve