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WHAT IS SERVANT LEADERSHIP?

janaderholt

IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WEAKNESS OR BEING A DOORMAT



Servant leadership is a concept that finds its roots in the teachings of Jesus Christ: “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 


(Matthew 20:26–28). At its core, servant leadership emphasizes that those in positions of authority must prioritize serving others. Contrary to common misconceptions, servant leadership is not synonymous with weakness or submissiveness; rather, it focuses on leveraging one's gifts and abilities in a positive manner. By adopting a servant leadership approach, individuals can empower those under their guidance to achieve remarkable feats and foster a culture of collaboration and support.


The inception of the modern servant leadership movement can be traced back to 1970 when Robert K. Greenleaf introduced his groundbreaking essay, The Servant as Leader, in which he introduced the terms "servant-leader" and "servant leadership." Greenleaf's definition of a servant-leader encapsulates the essence of this leadership style:


"The servant-leader is servant first... It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions..."Since its inception, extensive research has underscored the unparalleled impact of servant leadership on both individual growth and organizational success, demonstrating that servant leadership stands out as a transformative force that benefits both people and profits alike. Whether in a corporate or religious setting, the principles of servant leadership are not merely theoretical but have been proven to yield tangible results.


Key values and characteristics associated with servant leaders include being open-minded, trustworthy, helpful, selfless, aware, and accountable. Above all, servant leaders prioritize the well-being and growth of those they lead, embodying a spirit of humility and service that fosters a culture of mutual respect and empowerment.

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SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Jesus said to his disciples: "You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:13-15, NIV)

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