robert greenleaf servant leadership essay

Enter the characters you see below

Sorry, we just need to make sure you're not a robot. For best results, please make sure your browser is accepting cookies.

Type the characters you see in this image:

Ask the publishers to restore access to 500,000+ books.

Can You Chip In? (USD)

Internet Archive Audio

• This Just In
• Grateful Dead
• Old Time Radio
• 78 RPMs and Cylinder Recordings
• Audio Books & Poetry
• Computers, Technology and Science
• Music, Arts & Culture
• News & Public Affairs
• Spirituality & Religion
• Radio News Archive

• Flickr Commons
• Occupy Wall Street Flickr
• NASA Images
• Solar System Collection
• Ames Research Center

• All Software
• Old School Emulation
• MS-DOS Games
• Historical Software
• Classic PC Games
• Software Library
• Kodi Archive and Support File
• Vintage Software
• CD-ROM Software
• CD-ROM Software Library
• Software Sites
• Tucows Software Library
• Shareware CD-ROMs
• Software Capsules Compilation
• CD-ROM Images
• ZX Spectrum
• DOOM Level CD

• Smithsonian Libraries
• FEDLINK (US)
• Lincoln Collection
• American Libraries
• Canadian Libraries
• Universal Library
• Project Gutenberg
• Children's Library
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• Books by Language
• Additional Collections

• Prelinger Archives
• Democracy Now!
• Occupy Wall Street
• TV NSA Clip Library
• Animation & Cartoons
• Arts & Music
• Computers & Technology
• Cultural & Academic Films
• Ephemeral Films
• Sports Videos
• Videogame Videos
• Youth Media

Search the history of over 866 billion web pages on the Internet.

Mobile Apps

• Wayback Machine (iOS)
• Wayback Machine (Android)

Browser Extensions

Archive-it subscription.

• Explore the Collections
• Build Collections

Save Page Now

Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future.

Please enter a valid web address

• Donate Donate icon An illustration of a heart shape

The servant as leader

Bookreader item preview, share or embed this item, flag this item for.

• Graphic Violence
• Explicit Sexual Content
• Hate Speech
• Misinformation/Disinformation
• Marketing/Phishing/Advertising
• Misleading/Inaccurate/Missing Metadata

plus-circle Add Review comment Reviews

4,710 Views

8 Favorites

DOWNLOAD OPTIONS

For users with print-disabilities

IN COLLECTIONS

Uploaded by Unknown on June 2, 2020

SIMILAR ITEMS (based on metadata)

The Servant Leadership of Robert K. Greenleaf: 10 Essential Qualities for Empowering Others and Building Strong Teams

The Career Strategist

Robert K. Greenleaf, a visionary leadership thinker, introduced the concept of servant leadership in his seminal essay “The Servant as Leader” in 1970. This philosophy has since become a cornerstone of modern leadership theory, emphasizing empathy, humility, and the prioritization of the needs of others. In this article, we’ll explore the foundational principles of Greenleaf’s servant leadership and how they can be applied to empower others and build cohesive, resilient teams.

The Core of Servant Leadership

Greenleaf’s approach to leadership turns conventional wisdom on its head. Rather than positioning leaders as authoritative figures at the top of a hierarchy, he describes them as servants whose primary responsibility is to support and nurture their team members.

Here are the essential qualities that characterize servant leadership, according to Greenleaf:

1. Listening

Servant leaders prioritize listening to others with empathy and open-mindedness. They seek to understand people’s needs, concerns, and ideas, fostering a culture where every voice is valued. Active listening promotes trust, collaboration, and innovation.

Understanding and sharing the feelings of others is a hallmark of servant leadership. By connecting with team members on an emotional level, leaders can provide personalized support, recognizing the individual needs and potential of each person.

Greenleaf emphasized the leader’s role in healing, whether it’s resolving conflicts, mending broken relationships, or helping team members overcome personal challenges. Servant leaders cultivate an environment where people feel safe to express themselves and seek help when needed.

4. Awareness

Self-awareness is essential in servant leadership. Leaders must understand their strengths and weaknesses, biases, and values, allowing them to make fair and informed decisions. This self-reflection fosters authenticity and helps leaders align their actions with the best interests of the team.

5. Persuasion

Unlike traditional authoritative leadership, servant leaders rely on persuasion rather than coercion. They build consensus through dialogue and collaboration, respecting differing opinions and working to find solutions that benefit the whole team.

6. Conceptualization

Servant leaders possess the ability to see the bigger picture, looking beyond day-to-day operations to envision long-term goals and strategies. This visionary thinking helps align the team’s efforts with broader organizational objectives and fosters innovation.

7. Foresight

Foresight, or the ability to anticipate future needs and challenges, allows servant leaders to make proactive decisions. By staying ahead of the curve, they can guide their teams through change and uncertainty with confidence.

8. Stewardship

Greenleaf viewed leaders as stewards entrusted with the well-being and success of their team and organization. This mindset promotes responsibility, ethical decision-making, and a focus on sustainable practices that benefit everyone involved.

9. Commitment to Growth

Servant leaders are committed to the personal and professional growth of each team member. By providing opportunities for development, mentorship, and growth, they empower individuals to reach their full potential.

10. Building Community

Lastly, servant leadership emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of community within the organization. By cultivating strong relationships, shared values, and a spirit of collaboration, servant leaders create cohesive, resilient teams.

Conclusion: A Timeless Approach to Leadership

Robert K. Greenleaf’s servant leadership is more than a theory; it’s a call to action for leaders to embrace a selfless, people-centered approach . By prioritizing the well-being and success of others, servant leaders can inspire loyalty, creativity, and excellence.

In a world where leadership styles are continually evolving, Greenleaf’s principles stand as a timeless reminder that the most effective leaders are those who serve, empower, and uplift others. Whether you are leading a multinational corporation or a community organization, embracing the servant leadership mindset can lead to a more compassionate, collaborative, and successful leadership journey.

ORDO - Print Version

• 2025 Printed ORDO
• 2024 Printed ORDO
• 2017 Printed ORDO

ORDO - eBook Version

• Coming November, 2023  
• 2024 eBook Ordo   

ORDO - Mobile App

• Ordo FAQ & Support

Classics of Western Spirituality

• Christian Pre 1501

Ancient Christian Writers

• Ancient Christian Writers - All
• Bibles/Introductory
• Paulist Bible Study Program
• Catholic Biblical School Program
• Old Testament
• New Testament
• Catholic Epistles

Ethics & Social Issues

• Bioethics/Medical Ethics
• Social/Political Issues

Faith & Culture

• Multicultural
• Religion and the Arts
• Travel and Pilgrimage

Faith Formation

• Young Adult and Adult
• Church History
• Historical Studies

Liturgy & Worship

• Liturgical Calendars
• Liturgical Ministry
• Liturgical Planning
• Liturgical Seasons and Reflections

Pastoral Ministry

• Catechist Formation
• Community Formation
• Evangelization
• Homiletics/Preaching
• Leadership Training & Planning
• Multicultural Ministry
• Pastoral Care
• Pastoral Counseling
• Professional Ministry Resources
• Spiritual Direction
• Theology of Ministry
• Youth and Young Adult Ministry
• Reconciliation Ministry

Personal Growth

• Family Life
• Relationships
• Life Stages/Discernment
• Career & Vocation
• History of Philosophy
• Frederick Copleston Series
• Anointing of the Sick
• Orders: Bishops, Priesthood
• Orders: Deacons
• Reconciliation

Sacramental Preparation

• Confirmation

Spirituality

• Classical Spirituality
• Fables and Stories
• Inspirational Reading
• Masculine/Feminine Spirituality
• Prayer Resources/Prayer Books
• Spiritual Growth
• Study of Spirituality
• Christian Anthropology
• Christology and Soteriology
• Ecclesiology
• Eschatology/Last Things
• Fundamental Theology
• Liturgical Theology
• Moral Theology
• Pneumatology
• Sacramental Theology
• Science and Faith
• Theology of God/Trinity
• Women's Theology

World Religions

• Interreligious

In light of the recent Extraordinary Synod on the Family.

Understand the present-day situation of the family and its pastoral challenges for the future.

More   > >

Robert K. Greenleaf

(More from this Author)

The Revolution Has Only Just Begun

Twenty-five years ago Robert Greenleaf published these prophetic essays on what he coined servant leadership, a practical philosophy that replaces traditional autocratic leadership with a holistic, ethical approach. This highly influential book has been embraced by cutting edge management everywhere. Yet in these days of Enron and what VISA CEO Dee Hock calls our "era of massive institutional failure," Greenleaf's seminal work must reach the mainstream now more than ever.

Servant Leadership: — helps leaders find their true power and moral authority to lead. — helps those served become healthier, wiser, freer, and more autonomous. — encourages collaboration, trust, listening, and empowerment. — offers long-lasting change, not a temporary fix. — extends beyond business for leaders of all types of groups.

Category: Leadership Training and Planning

ISBN: 978-08091-0554-0

Other Formats Available:

Companion Books

Login | Register

• Shopping Cart

• Paulist Press
• About Our Company
• Our History
• Board of Directors
• Editorial Staff
• Book Stores
• Manuscript Submissions
• Permissions & Rights
• Download Catalogs
• Rights and Permissions
• Publiciity Inquiries
• Examination Copy Policies
• Returns Policy
• Ordering Information
• Shipping Information
• For Bookstores
• Our Website
• Contact Our Webmaster
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Product Index
• Site Assistance

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.

Error message details.

Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.

What Is Servant Leadership? A Philosophy for People-First Leadership

This article was from CIO and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive Content Marketplace . Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com .

Servant leadership is a leadership style that prioritizes the growth, well-being, and empowerment of employees. It aims to foster an inclusive environment that enables everyone in the organization to thrive as their authentic self. Whereas traditional leadership focuses on the success of the company or organization, servant leadership puts employees first to grow the organization through their commitment and engagement. When implemented correctly, servant leadership can help foster trust, accountability, growth, and inclusion in the workplace.

Proponents say that by improving the emotional health of employees servant leadership empowers employees to express themselves more freely in the workplace. Employees then turn around and give the same nurturing to their coworkers, creating a welcoming environment that enables and encourages growth and quality work. A major aspect of servant leadership is acceptance of others; by creating an environment where everyone feels accepted, it helps create a "psychological ethical climate" that allows employees to be authentic and not fear judgment from leadership for being themselves. It encourages a forgiving and understanding attitude that allows employees to make mistakes, learn from their mistakes, and channel that into personal and professional growth in the organization.

Servant leadership theory

The theory of servant leadership was started by Robert K. Greenleaf, who popularized the term in a 1970s essay titled "The Servant as Leader." After reading the book Journey to the East , Greenleaf was inspired by the main character, Leo, a servant who disappears from work. After his disappearance, the productivity and effectiveness of the rest of the workers falls apart, revealing that Leo was in fact a leader all along. This led Greenleaf to believe that servant leadership is effective in its ability to allow workers to relate to leaders and vice versa, creating more trust and autonomy for workers. Greenleaf first put this theory to test while working as an executive at AT&T, and it's gained traction over the years as an effective leadership style.

Greenleaf initially proposed an "I serve" mentality for servant leadership and based it on the two main premises of "I serve because I am the leader," and "I am the leader because I serve." The first premise is focused on altruism, a selfless concern for others, while the second premise hinges on a person's ambition to become a leader.

Servant leadership model

Greenleaf's original premise for servant leadership was relatively vague compared to other leadership approaches and models, which has led to several interpretations of his original idea to either expand on the concept of servant leadership or help offer more specific guidelines to what servant leadership looks like in practice.

Larry Spears, former president of the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, in " Character and Servant Leadership: Ten Characteristics of Effective Caring Leaders " has outlined the qualities that a servant leader needs to have to be impactful. These characteristics include empathy, listening, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people and building community.

Two researchers, Barbuto and Wheeler , evolved Spears's 10 characteristics into a framework called "the natural desire to serve others," which combines Spears's 10 characteristics into five dimensions of servant leadership that includes altruistic calling, emotional healing, wisdom, persuasive mapping, and organizational stewardship. Under each category there are four to five characteristics that pertain to servant leadership.

Joe Iarocci, author of Servant Leadership in the Workplace , defines three key priorities (developing people, building a trusting team, achieving results), three key principles (serve first, persuasion, empowerment), and three key practices (listening, delegating, connecting followers to mission) to outline what servant leadership looks like in the workplace.

Russel and Stone, two researchers, developed nine " functional attributes of servant leadership ," which includes vision, honesty, integrity, trust, service, modeling, pioneering, appreciation of others, and empowerment. They also outlined 11 "accompanying attributes," which includes communication, credibility, competence, stewardship, visibility, influence, persuasion, listening, encouragement, teaching, and delegation.

Servant leadership characteristics

According to Greenleaf, the most important characteristic of being a servant leader is to make it your priority to serve rather than to lead. Servant leaders are more interested in serving the needs of employees and helping them grow in the organization and are less interested in focusing on profits and simply leading people along by telling them what to do. Greenleaf didn't outline exactly what character traits make for a strong servant leader, but researchers James Sipe and Don Frick have studied his work and outlined seven pillars of servant leadership that fall within the boundaries of Greenleaf's original theory: 

• Person of character: A servant leader is someone who maintains integrity, makes decisions based on ethics and principles, displays humility and serves to a higher purpose in the organization.
• Puts people first: A servant leader demonstrates care and concern for others and helps employees meet their goals and grow within the organization.
• Skilled communicator: Communication skills are integral to servant leadership, and you will need to ensure you can effectively listen to and speak with your employees, while also inviting feedback.
• Compassionate collaborator: To be a strong servant leader, you'll need to consistently work with others and work to strengthen relationships, support diversity, equity, and inclusion, and navigate conflict in the workplace.
• Has foresight: As a servant leader, you will need to keep an eye on the future and anticipate anything that might impact the organization. You'll also need to have a strong vision for your organization and be the type of person who can take decisive action when needed.
• Systems thinker: Servant leaders need to be comfortable navigating complex environments and able to adapt to change. This type of leadership requires strategic thinking and the ability to effectively lead change in the organization.
• Leads with moral authority: As a servant leader, it's important to establish trust and confidence in your workforce by establishing quality standards, accepting, and delegating responsibility and fostering a culture that allows for accountability. 

Examples of servant leadership

In the technology industry, servant leadership is most often seen in agile development environments on Scrum teams. On a Scrum team, the Scrum Master isn't necessarily a leader; instead they're a team member who works closely with other agile workers and takes charge on defining requirements, mapping sprint plans, and resolving any roadblocks along the way.

Famous servant leaders in the corporate world include Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Co.; Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube; Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever; Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks; and Tim Cook, CEO of Apple; among many others. These are just a few people who are billed as strong examples of servant leadership in the corporate world. These leaders show qualities that include being risk-adverse, employee-focused, and driven by success over profits.     

Servant leadership training

The Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership offers several courses on servant leadership. The Foundations of Servant Leadership covers the fundamentals of Greenleaf's philosophy and how to apply those principles in the workplace. The Key Practices of Servant Leadership covers strategies for effective servant leadership and how to apply those in real-life settings. The Implementing Servant Leadership course focuses on strategies and practices that will help you effectively implement servant leadership in an organization. Courses are completed online using a collaborative wiki and group discussions; each course costs $450.

Related Content

Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

Advertisement

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.

HR Daily Newsletter

News, trends, analysis and breaking news alerts to help HR professionals do their jobs better each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Our Mission & Vision

The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to advance the awareness, understanding and practice of servant leadership by individuals and organizations.” We strive to achieve this mission through a variety of programs you will find described here on our website.

In the words of Robert K. Greenleaf, “A better society, one that is more just and more loving, one that provides greater creative opportunity for its people.” Both an ancient philosophy and modern practice, we envision that servant leadership as a movement will continue to enrich the lives of individuals and establish more people-centered institutions as well as strengthen its vital relationships.

Our History

Robert K. Greenleaf founded the nonprofit Greenleaf Center (first called “The Center for Applied Ethics”) in 1964. Not long after, Greenleaf published The Servant as Leader, a landmark essay that coined the phrase “servant-leader” and launched the modern Servant Leadership movement.

Since its founding, the Greenleaf Center has been a thought-leader in the field of servant leadership and a good steward of Robert Greenleaf’s writings after his death. The Greenleaf Center built an extensive catalog of publications over the years and continues to add new ones each year. Our online bookstore offers these publications and other materials covering the subject of Servant Leadership.

Need More Answers?

• Recent Developments
• Robert K. Greenleaf Biography
• What is Servant Leadership?
• Foundations of Servant Leadership
• Tailored and Private Outside Engagements
• Next Generation Initiative
• Greenleaf Scholar Recipients
• Coffee With Webinar Series
• Greenleaf Public Policy Lecture
• Hall of Fame 2024
• Hall of Fame 2023
• Hall of Fame 2022
• Memberships
• Shopping Cart
• Donor Wall of Honor

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you.

Start typing and press Enter to search