Servant Leadership exists wherever servant leaders are. A servant leader is recognized by their commitment to task and people, and the use of head and heart in fulfilling the role and responsibilities of leadership i.e. someone who makes the future (Johansen, 2009), who sets ideas, people, organizations and societies on a journey (Adler, 1999), who leads or holds a position to lead (Merriam-Webster online). Servant leaders are present in all operational levels of an organization, association or group. To check for the presence of servant leadership . . . look back to see if those served are more able, healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous and more likely to serve others.
As a servant leader I've had the opportunity to serve children, youth and adults in Canada and internationally. My servant leadership practice focuses on community capacity building and leadership development. The words and images above portray service in aboriginal communities, West Africa and South East Asia. The use of images and words helps me reflect on my practice and consider how to better serve in my leadership roles.
Where and who are you serving? To recognize the role of service in leadership is to provide opportunity to self-assess and in turn develop your own knowledge, skills and competencies around leadership.
Do you have a servant leadership story you want to share here? Connect with us to share your story.
Terresa Augustine - LinkedIn
Adler. (1999). Global leadership: women leaders in W.H. Mobley (Ed.) Advances in global leadership Vol 1, pp 49 – 73, Stanford, CT: JAI.
Johansen, B. (2009). Leaders make the future: 10 new leadership rules for an uncertain world. San Francisco: CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
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