Servant Leadership

As we researched learner impact one of the areas that was looked into further was on servant leadership.  Servant leadership is one type of leadership and part of Educational Pathway Milestone 6 which states:  “Demonstrated local and global servant leadership and cultural engagement.”  Before we can demonstrate it at a local and global level we must first have a standard definition, criteria and assessment method.  Our research started looking at this challenging topic and has led to the following:

Definition by Greenleaf.org which states:

 “A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid,” servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.”

Servant Leader Criteria from Community Tool Box by University of Kansas

• The servant leader listens to and cares for his or her constituents.
• The servant leader stretches his or her constituents.
• The servant leader inspires others to service.
• A servant leader adapts to fit the situation.
• Listening to others
• Involving others
• Promoting teamwork rather than individual decision making
• Enhance problem-solving skills

Possible Elements for a Rubric from University of St. Francis (USF)

This is only a preliminary look at servant leadership and further research will need to be done. However, even at this preliminary stage we can start to see the servant leaders focus and role. In addition, we can all integrate the servant leader’s criteria in our daily interactions no matter what role we are in.