"It begins with the natural feeling that ones to service, to service first.
Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead"
Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead"
In 1970, Robert Greenleaf published an essay, "The Servant as Leader," that coined the phrase "Servant-Leader" and launched the modern servant leadership movement. Shifting away from traditional autocratic and hierarchical modes of leadership and toward a model which is based upon teamwork and community; one which seeks to involve others in decision-making; one which is strong based in ethical and caring behavior; and, one which is attempting to enhance the personal growth of workers, while at the same time improving the caring and quality of an organization.
Can implementing the characteristics of a servant leader benefit you and your organization? Many organizations are utilizing the Servant leadership management philosophy with great success. They are increasing customer satisfaction and employee retention rates while controlling costs.
Servant leadership adopts a higher purpose; shifting to doing what is the best for employees, stockholders, and consumers becoming the primary objective. Servant leadership adopts a team approach helping team members to realize that they matter to the organization and add value to the overall picture. Servant leaders then shift focus from themselves to the best interests of others including employees and customers.
One-third of the Forbes list of "Top 100 Companies to Work For"
are practicing servant leadership including:
Starbucks, FedEx, Marriott International, Herman Miller, Toro Company, TDIndustries, Southwest Airlines, and Men's Wearhouse
Up for the challenge? Try these Servant Leadership awareness and implementation resources in your organization: Servant Leadership; It's A Wonderful Life: Leading Through Service;
and a Journey Into the Heroic Environment
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