My most popular blog of the past nine years discussed differences between authentic and servant leadership. Thinking about giving and kindness of leaders, I researched and found few academic journal articles. However, I did find an interesting reference to James Hunter’s “The Servant.”
Johnson and Vishwanath (2011) shared Hunter’s thoughts on how love is about behaviors, such as being kind and giving of self to others. Specially Hunter (1998, p. 124) suggested the true leader demonstrates the following behaviors:
My take-away:
Hunter (and Johnson et al.) are talking about servant leadership but regardless, this list makes sense. Each of these activities should increase influence, and perhaps inspire others.
Consider using this list for a self-assessment as we begin the new year. Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 means “I do not demonstrate this behavior” to 5, “I demonstrate this behavior very often.” Then look at the gaps. Where do you need to change your behaviors or work on some aspect of being a better leader? Self-reflection is at the heart of leader development. This might be a useful exercise.
Best wishes for the New Year.
Hunter, J. C. (1998). The servant: A simple story about the true essence of leadership. New York: Crown.
Johnson, A. C., & Vishwanath, K. R. (2011). Servant professorship and its implications. International Journal of Education Research, 6 (1), 135-146.
Image, "Team Spirit", by Kalhh. Obtained from pixabay.com/illustrations/team-spirit-teamwork-euro-959269/
Modified from my blog of 12/29/2014. © John Ballard, PhD, 2021. All rights reserved.
__________________________
Decoding the Workplace “Is this a must-have for managers and would-be managers? Yes.” Academy of Management Learning & Education, June, 2018. Available as ebook, hardback, paperback, audiobook, and audio CD. The best-selling audiobook, and CD, are narrated by Timothy Andrés Pabon.
Johnson and Vishwanath (2011) shared Hunter’s thoughts on how love is about behaviors, such as being kind and giving of self to others. Specially Hunter (1998, p. 124) suggested the true leader demonstrates the following behaviors:
- Self-control (patience)
- Appreciates others
- Encourages others
- Gives attention
- Acts with respect to others
- Seeks to meet others’ needs
- Is honest
- Forgives
- Commits to decisions made and sticks to them
- Seeks “greatest good for others”
My take-away:
Hunter (and Johnson et al.) are talking about servant leadership but regardless, this list makes sense. Each of these activities should increase influence, and perhaps inspire others.
Consider using this list for a self-assessment as we begin the new year. Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 means “I do not demonstrate this behavior” to 5, “I demonstrate this behavior very often.” Then look at the gaps. Where do you need to change your behaviors or work on some aspect of being a better leader? Self-reflection is at the heart of leader development. This might be a useful exercise.
Best wishes for the New Year.
Hunter, J. C. (1998). The servant: A simple story about the true essence of leadership. New York: Crown.
Johnson, A. C., & Vishwanath, K. R. (2011). Servant professorship and its implications. International Journal of Education Research, 6 (1), 135-146.
Image, "Team Spirit", by Kalhh. Obtained from pixabay.com/illustrations/team-spirit-teamwork-euro-959269/
Modified from my blog of 12/29/2014. © John Ballard, PhD, 2021. All rights reserved.
__________________________
Decoding the Workplace “Is this a must-have for managers and would-be managers? Yes.” Academy of Management Learning & Education, June, 2018. Available as ebook, hardback, paperback, audiobook, and audio CD. The best-selling audiobook, and CD, are narrated by Timothy Andrés Pabon.
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