Robert Greenleaf (1904-90)
American (pictured right) whose idea of “servant leadership” (see below) has been very influential.
Key book
Servant Leadership
(1977)
A leader should serve people above anything else.
This idea of “servant leadership” is more precisely defined through these questions:
- Do those served grow as persons?
- Do they become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?
- What is the effect on the least privileged in society?
- Will they benefit or at least not be further deprived?
So a leader should be:
1. Chosen by their
followers
Ideally!
2. Primus inter
pares
First among equals.
3. Empathetic
Tolerant, sensitive and a good listener.
4. Empowering
Turning their people into servants.
5. A community builder
Inspiring co-operation and commitment through a shared purpose and vision.
6. Reflective
Putting thought into action.
7. Moral
Character, trust, respect and integrity.
8. A steward
(of people’s spiritual and physical welfare).
9. Intuitive
An instinct for the unforeseeable and unknowable (because there is never enough information).
10. Socially
responsible
Responsiveness to the needs of the underprivileged.
Key quotes on leadership and
management
The great leader is seen as servant first.
Legitimacy begins with trust.
Key quote on
motivation
The work exists for the person as much as the person exists for the work.
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