Question

While Servant Leadership has become trendy, it is not generally widely adopted in large companies. After reading “The Servant as Leader (excerpt)" and listening to the Podcast with Cheryl Bachelder do, what do you think about the idea of the leader as servant? What elements of it do you find most compelling? Is servant leadership something that will continue to grow or is it just another trendy idea that will go out of fashion? Have you known a leader who practices servant leadership? If so, share your experience of seeing servant leadership in action.

Answer 1

The idea of the leader as servant is about serving people and communities, to grow and develop them and focusing on their needs is the priority. Unlike the other leaders, Servant leaders are dedicated to the needs of the groups and communities they are serving. The power shared by Servant leaders is directed towards supporting their followers or employees and lead by working for their welfare and benefits.

The most compelling elements of Servant leadership is the selflessness attitude of the leaders. They are dedicated to the cause of the people and groups they are working and service is their primary focus. This is a motivating factor for the employees as they can be also inspired to work and lead by serving others.

Servant leadership will continue to grow. It is not just another trendy idea that will go out of fashion as it is a relationship supporting the needs of the people and helping the leaders to achieve their goals by investing in skills and development of their employees or followers. It can be situational depending on the needs and personality of the persons involved.

A leader who has practised Servant leadership is Mother Teresa. She has been dedicated throughout her life for serving the people and working for them. She created an institution and inspired many people to work for uplifting the needy and less privileged. She has been a great leader considering the influence and being the power behind the organisation working for serving the society and bringing a change in the attitude towards service and helping others.