Have you heard of Servant Leadership? Are you a Servant Leader?

2015-07-09T22:58:46-04:00

I first heard of the concept of "Servant Leadership" from one of my former bosses... and, it is an awesome concept. At its core, you have to ask yourself why you are leader? Are you their to serve others, or are you there for other reasons? Only you and man/woman in the mirror know that answer.

“The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature."

https://greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/

What Is Servant Leadership?

Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world.While servant leadership is a timeless concept, the phrase “servant leadership” was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in…

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 11:06 PM

2015-07-09T23:06:20-04:00

I was born to serve others. This philosophy is easy for me and when I look in the mirror I see a woman who serves the world.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 9 at 2015 11:32 PM

2015-07-09T23:32:50-04:00

It was unbeknown to me that I was entering a cycle as a 2LT as NCOs trained their new platoon leader. My only goal at that point was to learn about tanks technically, tactically, and not come across as an arrogant ass.

As the years proceeded I grew confident in company level leadership and noticed that most everyone who was promoted deserved it. The soldiers and NCO made me look good. I realized that there hard work matriculated in to reward for me and it was my design to facilitate their professional and personal endeavors.

It helped that we developed a culture of respect, caring, and mentoring. We the leaders were going to be replaced by juniors, so it was incumbent on us to grow the soldiers for benefit of unit and the army

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 9 at 2015 11:54 PM

2015-07-09T23:54:47-04:00

Great post. You also see the differences in leaders in Vet organizations after your service. Funny how many folks get into leadership roles for the wrong reason.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 9 at 2015 11:58 PM

2015-07-09T23:58:01-04:00

I love this post. So true.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:41 AM

2015-07-10T01:41:23-04:00

Sir, indeed! I feel that as we are granted more responsibility and authority over personnel, it is imperative that leaders understand how they can serve others. That would seem to be a given, but I'm not sure this is a common understanding. I've seen a number of instances where decisions have not benefitted missions or people in the long term, only fixing the problem in the short term. We have to execute our new set of responsibilities utilizing the knowledge gained over time that led you to that position of leadership, and integral to that is to serve those who are under you as you attend to the mission at hand.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 2:24 AM

2015-07-10T02:24:00-04:00

In every aspect of my life I strive to set an example of servant leadership. Early on I discovered, particularly as a new NCO, the need to model the words of the apostle Paul, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 6:42 AM

2015-07-10T06:42:11-04:00

I recommend a book called "The Learning of Love" by Bill Turner. Its a great look at Servant Leadership.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 8:55 AM

2015-07-24T08:55:33-04:00

Sir, if it wasn't for Soldiers (to serve) then we would not need leaders. I believe Servant Leadership is a cornerstone of conducting yourself as an Officer and a good leader. When I was in command, my Soldiers came first, no matter what. I thank them for the opportunity to serve as their leader. Servant Leadership is an awesome concept, perfected and displayed by the best leaders throughout history.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 31 at 2017 7:44 PM

2017-12-31T19:44:17-05:00

When I left home, my family were on their own and could not depend on anyone else. I had my duty to meet and my return could well depend on that. I was sent to Indo China twice and Korea twice. In Indo China I had one phone call and three letters. I often wondered about the baloon going up and dependents caught in a panic. Dealing this while you are fighting a war can be a struggle.