The phrase 'Servant Leadership' was first introduced in 1970 in an article written by Robert K. Greenleaf. His essay, The Servant as Leader, explains how servant leaders achieve results by giving priority attention to fulfilling the needs of others. They choose to serve first and then lead as a way of being of even greater service. Their emphasis is on collaboration, trust, empathy, empowerment and the ethical use of power.
A servant leader makes a conscious decision to lead specifically in order to better serve others, not to increase their own power or possessions. The objective of a servant leader is to enhance the growth of individuals in their organization while increasing teamwork and personal involvement.
Steven Covey said: "The servant leader is one who seeks to draw out, inspire, and develop the best and highest within people from the inside out." His book, Insights on Leadership, is a great resource for anyone who is in a leadership position. He teaches fundamental, timeless principles of human success with a focus on helping others achieve their full potential while helping them perform at their best. A classic win/win situation! Covey believes the empowerment of individuals embraces will be one of the key principles in determining the longevity and success of organizations today and in the future.
What a Servant Leader Does:
Focuses on meeting the needs of those they lead.
Promotes employee education and development.
Facilitates personal growth.
Encourages self expression.
Coaching and mentoring.
Asks, listens and keeps an open mind.
Builds a sense of community.
Respects, values and motivates people.
Recognizes and focuses on 'all the good' in others.
Characteristics of Servant Leaders
Listening: being receptive and genuinely interested in the views of people around them.
Empathy: an understanding and acceptance of each persons' unique strengths and abilities.
Healing: appreciation and facilitating the emotional/spiritual healing of oneself and others.
Awareness: of self and what is happening around them - they know what is going on.
Persuasion: makes full use of positive persuasion rather than orders and commands.
Conceptualization: encourages great dreams and possibility thinking outside the 'box'.
Foresight: combines lessons of the past with realities of today to anticipate future events.
Stewardship: prepares their organization and employees to serve the greater good of society.
A commitment to the growth of people: professionally, personally and spiritually.
Building community: they work hard to foster community spirit within their organization.
Benefits / Strengths
A long-term, transformational approach to life and work
Potential for creating positive changes for individuals and their community
An emphasis on collaboration, teamwork and supporting organizational objectives
Builds an atmosphere of trust, respect and ethical behavior
Fosters employee loyalty and dedication to excellence
Recognition of and creative response to opportunities
Limitations / Disadvantages
Not a 'quick-fix' approach
Can be perceived as 'soft' or ineffectual
Sometimes leads to indecisiveness or lack of vision
Inexperienced or insecure people can feel threatened
Questions to Consider - Are you willing to:
Place your employees' needs before your own?
Give your employees a vision they can embrace?
Conduct your business and your life in an ethical manner?
Ask for, listen to, respect and act on the opinion of others?
Be a communicator and persuader instead of a commander?
Devote your life to being of even greater service to your world?
Peter Drucker said: "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." Where do you fit in his equation? Are you a good manager or an effective leader? A good manager can provide clear direction and meet deadlines. Effective leaders are able to influence people to support their goals through inspiration, motivation, teamwork, guidance and holding the vision. Servant leadership takes this one step further by creating a healthy, positive environment of personal growth where everyone can reach their full potential for the benefit of all in their organization.
Is servant leadership right for you? Only you can make this decision. The good news is this concept of encouragement and being of even greater service to others is most definitely making a very positive and profitable difference in organizations, communities and the lives of people all across the world. There are many excellent resources available to give you additional information. A great place to start is at the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. Their website is: http://www.greenleaf.org
About the Author:
Dr. John ("Dealey") Carpenter Dealey is an International MasterMind expert, business mentor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, speaker and self-made millionaire. He is dedicated to helping business professionals use the powers of masterminding solve problems, finish strong and take their business to the next level. To learn how mastermind can help you improve your business, visit his website at: http://mastermindsoaring.com To sign-up for MasterMind Tips, a free weekly ezine, go to: http://www.dr-mastermind.com
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The phrase 'Servant Leadership' was first introduced in 1970 in an article written by Robert K. Greenleaf. His essay, The Servant as Leader, explains how servant leaders achieve results by giving priority attention to fulfilling the needs of others. They choose to serve first and then lead as a way of being of even greater service. Their emphasis is on collaboration, trust, empathy, empowerment and the ethical use of power. 
