In 1970, Robert K. Greenleaf came up with the expression, "Servant Leadership." His work and treatise ended up dramatically altering the traditional way that management had thought for many years. While I personally have reservations about calling any form of leadership servant, there is no doubt that all the greatest leaders dedicate themselves to serving others and their organizations. Here is a simplified list of the ten qualities needed for effective and servicing leadership. How many of these do you either possess or aspire to possessing? 1. Listening; 2. Empathy; 3. Healing (or bring opponents together/ uniting); 4. Awareness of evolutionary needs; 5. Powers of persuasion; 6. The ability to conceptualize; 7. Having foresight; 8. Taking personally responsibility to steward an idea to fruition; 9. Commitment to the growth of others; 10. Building a sense of community. While many might articulate their belief in these qualities and traits, in my over three decades of professional leadership training, I have observed few that truly commit consistently to these qualities.
1. Listening is far different than hearing. Do you listen, or do you simply take turns speaking? Do you speak to people or at them? Are you careful to be respectful, not interrupt and consistently ask compelling, essential questions that bring further clarity and understanding?
2. Empathy is different than sympathy. Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone, while empathy encompasses putting yourself in the other person's position, and seeing things from their;point of view (instead of simply from yours). Do you truly care for your constituents, and their concerns?
3. Are you a blamer and a hater, or are you conciliatory and aim for mutual understanding and agreement? Do you prioritize the common good, and even when you disagree, do you critique in a positive manner, or do you merely criticize? Will you bring opponents together and develop unity and strength?
4. Times change and the needs of organizations and their constituents change. Can you accept change and embrace it? Do you realize that organizations must gradually evolve if they are to remain relevant and sustainable?
5. How effectively can you communicate your point of view? Are you able to respond to questions and concerns effectively, and do you welcome objections as an opportunity to creatively and effectively persuade others in a positive and proactive manner? Do you treat the five steps to overcoming objection as your ally or your enemy?
6. Do you understand the big picture? Can you conceptualize and communicate the big ideas that motivate others to action?
7. Can you visualize the future, and what is needed? Do you have dreams that have created your essential vital vision, and does that vision amplify the mission of your organization? Are you constantly taking steps that make your group sustainable?
8. Are you creative an idea - oriented? What do you do with your ideas? Do you just lay them out there and hope someone else picks up the ball and runs with it, or do you carry the flame and steward the program towards fruition and success?
9. Are you willing, able and committed to assure that others succeed and realize their dreams? Will you identify, train and motivate future leaders? Will you commit to creating value as your highest priority?
10. Will you motivate others to feel strongly about the group, so they commit to it as well? How important is developing a sense of community, and working towards the common good?
There is, of course, a balance. When we use the word servant, it often creates an image of something unfair, where people are taking advantage of, or trampling on the leader. On the other hand, when we think of servant leadership as a dedication to service and value, we realize the essential nature of it to becoming a true and meaningful leader.
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