4.1

write a 150 word response to the below discussion question answer:

Answer:

One of the principles of servant leadership is to serve other’s while focusing on the growth and wellbeing of their followers (Greenleaf, 2016).  This is definitely something that I try to apply in my work.   I use this principle is by encouraging members of my team to follow their dreams/passions.   Continuing education is something that I feel is important and inspire and support team members to follow their hearts, even if it means that they will leave my department and/or the organization.  Because of my encouragement, just about half of the department has enrolled in college to pursue their professional goals. What matters to me, is that I have spent time with these individuals showing them how to be a servant leader so that when it is their turn to be leaders they will also choose to mentor their followers.  If I can accomplish this then I know the cycle will continue, and this world will be ultimately a better place. 

Another characteristic that I apply to my work is humility.  Humility is an acknowledgement and attitude that they are neither all-knowing nor all-powerful, and that their employees many have more experience and knowledge (van Dierendonck, 2011).  For example, currently we are transitioning our electronic health record from McKesson to Epic.  This will cause our work flows to change significantly so it is important for me to talk to my team about the upcoming change and involve them as much as possible.  By involving them in the process it shows them that I value their input and want them to help develop our future work state.  Additionally, their input will help them to feel empowered as they know their talents are appreciated.  I think it is also important for my team see me not be right all of the time.  It helps to show them that I am human, and I can make mistakes.  The key to making mistakes is being able to own them, acknowledge them, apologize for them, and grow from them. 

One of the methods that we use to determine what the needs of our department are is conducting staff surveys.  This allows us to determine what we are doing well, and what we need to improve upon.  Ensuring that the needs of our employees are met will help to improvement their engagement which in turn increases the productivity of the department/organization. 

Original Question:

Think about the principles of servant leadership and provide two examples of specific ways you can apply them in your current work environment, as member of a community group or organization with which you are involved, or in your personal life. Discuss the specific servant leadership principles you would apply, the methods you would use to apply the principles, and the results you would anticipate seeing as a result of implementing these servant leadership principles.