Ten Characteristics of a Servant Leader

Dr. Steven M. HaysBishop Kearney High School

Leadership and Ethics

Servant leadership deals with the reality of power in everyday life – its legitimacy, the ethical restraints upon it and the beneficial results that can be attained through the appropriate use of power.

The Core

• Not a quick-fix approach

• Long-term transformational approach to life and work

• A way of being

• Creates positive change throughout society

Listening

• Leaders valued for communication skills• Reinforced by deep commitment to

listening intently• Seeks to identify and clarify will of group• Know inner voice• Seek to understand body, spirit, and

mind of those communicating• Listening coupled with reflection

Empathy

• Strive to understand others

• Accept and recognize people for special and unique spirits

• Do not reject co-workers as people– Even while refusing to accept their

behavior or performance

• Become skilled empathetic listener

Healing

• Powerful force for transformation and integration

• Healing oneself and others

• Help make whole those who have broken spirits

• “the search for wholeness is something they share”

Greenleaf, The Servant as Leader

Awareness

• Self-awareness strengthens servant leaders

• Aids in understanding issues involving ethics and values

• View situations from integrated, holistic approach

• “It is a disturber and an awakener. Able leaders are usually sharply awake and reasonably disturbed. They are not seekers of solace”

- Greenleaf

Persuasion

• Do not rely on positional authority

• Convince others rather than coerce compliance

• Effectively builds consensus

Conceptualization

• Nurture ability to dream great dreams

• Think beyond day-to-day realities• Requires discipline and practice• Stretch thinking• Must be a visionary• Must seek healthy balance

between conceptual thinking and day-to-day focus

Foresight

• Foresee likely outcomes

• Understand lessons from past, realities of the present, and likely consequences for the future

• Rooted in intuitive mind

• Born with, not developed

• Largely unexplored area in leadership

Stewardship

• Hold organization in trust for greater good

• Commitment to serving needs of others

• Use of openness and persuasion

Commitment to Growth of People• People have intrinsic value

• Nurture personal, professional, and spiritual growth of employees

• Actively seek ideas and input from employees

• Encourage involvement in decision making process

Building Community

• Much has been lost in shift from community to large institutions

• Servant leaders must show the way– By demonstrating unlimited liability for

a specific community related group

Servant Leaders through History