Kim Woods Only (600 6.2 post)
Post #1
Robert Greenleaf (2008) has so many amazing incites that are practical. The foundation to his inspiration is to lead by example, merging finding a mindful direction and skills for redirecting group behaviors. I have been introduced to leaders whom believe they are applying fabulous leadership skills, however reality is that they do not listen or are they aware of their surroundings. The emotional needs of staff are completely overlooked as well as viewed like a checklist of strategic applications with zero applications. I have observed this multiple times within my office of engineers and architects contributing to protocols, facts and procedures. Greenleaf incorporates the need to set self aside, including egos to reflect history, empathy, optimum, listening and utilizing sensible language. According to Frick (2004) history indicates the importance of service to develop social values of connection and community in which leaders need to identify and relate in their roles.
As it was mentioned, the mindset and behaviors in which leaders need to perform for others to follow takes humility and humbleness, wish can be considered a weakness or wisdom depending on self and cultural. I have found that some individuals in leadership roles believe they know the formulas; however, every equation will have variables that alters the perspective, changing the order of operations in result the solution and answer. The ability to honor the variables will determine the wisdom of the leader; in return will formulate the skills of serving. This is a very difficult concept for many leaders to embrace and apply. For some, it is common since, but one may need to listen to understand the variable is them.
References
Frick, D. M. (2004). Robert K. Greenleaf : A Life of Servant Leadership. San Francisco, Calif: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Greenleaf, R. K. (2008). The servant as leader. Westfield, IN: The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership.
Post #2
Why isn’t Servant Leadership a theory or formula for leadership success but a mindset – a way of being as a leader.
Servant leadership needs to come from a core set of beliefs or faith. One must be transformed from within for this to be a true experience. This is not a theory of leadership that you can fake it until you make it. It is a philosophy or way of life. Even for leaders in a spiritual environment such as a church or a temple, this is not a given. A life of servant leadership is sacrificial. This is not easily accomplished if it does not come from an authentic place. One will only be able to demonstrate the traits and characteristics of a servant leader for a finite time if it is not originating from a true spirit of and core of humility. While servant leadership is a known leadership style and may be widely studied, it is not widely seen because it must come from a unique leader. As someone who has been behind the scenes in church leadership for decades, in a place where most would assume servant leadership is a given, true servant leaders are indeed rare.
According to Robert Greenleaf, a great leader is a servant first. What does this mean to you, and what contemporary leaders exhibit this way of leading?
“The natural servant, the person who is servant first, is more likely to persevere and refine his hypothesis on what serves another’s highest priority needs than is the person who is leader first and who later serves out of promptings of conscience or in conformity with normative expectations.” (Greenleaf, 1970, p. 16)
How does or could Servant Leadership transform the follower, the leader, and the organization. Be specific.
Not all followers are receptive to a servant leader. In a military environment this style of leadership can be construed as a weakness or micromanagement. Some followers do not want to see their leaders doing the dirty work. It makes them feel uncomfortable and like they are not performing their tasks and responsibilities if their superior is working alongside them. In an education setting servant leadership is very effective. When teachers see leaders step off their thrones and get out into the classrooms, roll up their sleeves and engage, there are positive ripple effects throughout the school. When the leader comes into the classroom, not to just to critique, but to support and encourage, the follower feels empowered and heard. Often teachers see their leaders in staff meetings or to be critiqued and that’s it. The most successful schools have visible, engaged servant leaders at the helm. “For successful servant leadership to occur, it is important that followers are open and receptive to servant leaders who want to empower them and help them grow.” (Northouse, 2016, p. 239)
References
Greenleaf, R. K. (1970). The Servant as Leader. Atlanta, Georgia: The Greenleaf Center for Servant
Leadership
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and practice. Los Angeles, California: Sage Publications, Inc.
Post #3
Why isn’t Servant Leadership a theory or formula for leadership success but a mindset – a way of being as a leader.
1) It is a mindset because there are no specific steps for anyone to follow. Each person has deeply rooted experiences which shape their unique perspectives of life. Aspects of servant leadership can be developed over time, but there is no 'one fit for all'. Having the desire to help followers reach their 'true potential' through means of empowerment and nurturing takes an understanding of what others needs on all levels. Like being a parent, there is no manual and for each parent-child relationship, but as long as there is hope and support it works itself out. Each relationship is tailored to the needs of the follower and of the leaders intuition and ability.
According to Robert Greenleaf, a great leader is a servant first. What does this mean to you, and what contemporary leaders exhibit this way of leading?
2) I think that Mother Theresa was a great example as Northouse (2016) points out, servant leaders foster follower performance and growth as individuals and also have a greater societal impact on the organization and even the world. Another good example is of my old boss, who truly wanted me to succeed and mentored me almost as if I was the daughter she never had. I was able to forget some of the fears of failure with her mentoring and I gave this company 110%. Servant leadership means that once you put your people's needs above your own, then you will be truly successful, both in life and work.
How does or could Servant Leadership transform the follower, the leader, and the organization. Provide a specific example.
3) Servant leadership transforms the follower by being able to honestly and completely confide in their leadership to solve any problem they may have. This is a great feeling to have. Many go through life never feeling accepted, nor truly developed as a whole. The follower, as long as they accept servant leadership, transforms into a highly functioning member of the team and of society. The Leader changes by being able to set aside their ego and pride, so they may humbly serve their followers. This shift of power can be very empowering to the leader to center their purpose (both in life and work). An organization would change for the better with leaders and followers striving to be the best they can be (morally and ethically) they would set great examples. Organizations could depend on their employees to do the right things which would save time and money. This energy then could be used to expand and create a larger social contribution.