Servant Leadership Self

Myself a servant leader in training

This essay is fueled by my research into understanding me as a servant-leader in training. I grew up in a house where my dad owned his own company, though he worked alongside his employees. Both of my parents worked within the community, meeting the needs of those around them. Growing up in the house and watching them give of themselves gave me paradigms of servant-leadership, and helped me to recognize it when it existed. Their models of servant-leadership have helped to inspire and reassure me in my decision making. According to Robert Greenleaf, one must first take on the role of a good servant, before that of a good leader (2002). At the time I was first introduced to this concept by my parents it was

5). I never thought of myself as a servant-leader, but the more intensely I study the material on servant-leadership, it has become more apparent.

Listening

My own servant-leadership training began years ago when I became a nurse. Initially, I wanted to save the world but I soon learned the world was a very large place and I would have to save it one person at a time. Communication or listening with intent has been my primary approach in assessing situations. A great deal of information can be gleaned through body language as well as what is said and not said.

Empathy

Living in South America and working with the indigenous people allowed me the opportunities to not only learn a great deal about tropical medicine, but it helped me to develop empathy for my patients. I did not speak the language well, so it helped when I could pick up on nonverbal cues, along with placing myself in their shoes because “there but for the grace of God go I (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Being a part of administrative groups means projecting the growth of the group into the future, but the groups I have been associated with in the past have held to the agenda set up by the leader. I look forward to the opportunity to work with others in establishing new and innovative approaches to problem solving.

Foresight

One of the most interesting characteristics of servant-leadership is the ability to perceive coming events based on past occurrences. This is easier to accomplish when one does not allow himself to become emotionally involved in the situation. It takes objectivity to remember what has past and use that information to make predictions for the future. Fear of past mistakes being repeated allows many decision making meetings or conferences to stall. As things change, new information should be collected and compiled to make changes or resolutions for the good of all.

Stewardship

Stewardship at the church I once attended meant that a small group of people were entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the interest and spiritual lives of the members, while setting the tone for others to come. Safeguarding and preserve the growth of the members so that none are lost or left by the