Servant Leadership Test

Posted June 27th, 2009

Years ago, I read Servant Leadership, by Robert K. Greenleaf.   I seek to serve and lead.   Greenleaf said that the best test of a servant leader is: “Do those served grow as persons; do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?”

He also said the test is tough to administer.  I have been a teacher of youth in church settings for over 30 years, and regularly teach/train adults in business settings and classes.   Since we have moved several times, it is not possible to keep in contact with all the “youth” who are now adults.  A consultant does not often have opportunities to see how well people apply what I recommend and teach.   I have to do my best every day, and trust that I have been helpful.

Perhaps I need a self-test, based on a servant leader philosophy.

• Am I a servant first with my spouse, family, friends, business associates, and strangers?
• Am I willing to recognize that I am still, and always will be, learning and evolving?
• Am I able to learn from experiences, both the good and the bad?
• Do I understand and accept that any power I have is a gift from others?
• Do I use any power as a way to create good opportunities for others?
• Am I flexible, patient, and adaptable because I know that everything changes?
• Do I recognize that we are flawed human beings with strengths and weaknesses?
• Am I more gracious with others and myself than in the past?

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 at 12:06 pm and is filed under Leadership.