Servant Leadership Style

In recent times the words leader and manager have become synonymous. However, that is not necessarily the case. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a leader is defined as a guide or a conductor, the first or principal performer of a group (“Leader”, Merriam-Webster.com). Manager is defined as “someone who is in charge of a business, department, etc.” or “someone who directs the professional career of an entertainer or athlete,” (“Manager”, Merriam-Webster.com).

Though these are basic descriptions of both words, there are many different types of leaders, and not all leaders make the best managers. The following is a list of various leadership types: • Autocratic

• Coaching

• Cross-Cultural

• Laissez Faire

• Strategic

• Influence

• Participative

• Servant

The term servant-leader was first coined by Robert K. Greenleaf, who said, “The servant-leader is a servant first…It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first…” (Greenleaf). It is a relatively rare leadership style, and the most common characteristics of a servant leader are selflessness, trust, honesty, fairness, a strong sense of morality, purpose and empathy. Other traits include a love of listening, healing, awareness, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and community.

Leaders who follow the servant-leader leadership model display a great deal of care and compassion for those around them, as well as empathy for their fellow people. They are quick to listen and slow to speak or get angry, and choose courses of actions that are most beneficial to those following them. They do not think about themselves, but of