Servant leadership is an approach to leadership development, advanced by such authors as Robert Greenleaf and Peter Block , that emphasizes the leader's role as steward of the resources (human, financial and otherwise) provided by the organization. It encourages leaders to serve others while staying focused on achieving results in line with the organization's values and integrity.
It differs from other leadership approaches by eschewing the common top-down hierarchical style, and instead emphasizing collaboration, trust, empathy, and the ethical use of power. At heart, the individual is a servant first, making the conscious decision to lead; his drive is lead because he wants to serve better, not because he desires increased power. The objective is to enhance the growth of individuals in the organization and increase teamwork and personal involvement.
Critics might dismiss Servant leadership as "yet another fad to line consultants' pockets", but its proponents counter that the ideals underlying it are timeless (witness its description in chapter 17 of the Tao Te Ching in around 4 BC), and the concept of Servant Leadership has been in development for over 40 years with involvement from AT&T and Harvard Business School.
Also see
Links
References
- Robert Greenleaf. Servant Leadership
- Peter Block. Stewardship
