SERVANT

LEADERSHIP
“Exploring Robert K. Greenleaf's Servant
Leadership"
Dustin Russel G. Manese
GAS 11
TABLE OF CONTENT
BACKGROUND OF
1 ROBERT K. GREENLEAF

Introduction to Servant
2 Leadership
CHARACTERISTICS OF A
3 SERVANT LEADER

4 CONCLUSION
 BACKGROUND OF
ROBERT K. GREENLEAF
• Robert K. Greenleaf (1904–1990) was an American organizational theorist,
management consultant, and educator. He is best known for developing the
concept of "servant leadership," which has had a profound impact on
leadership philosophy and practice.
• Greenleaf was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1904.
• He graduated from Carleton College in 1926 and later earned a master's
degree in business from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
• Greenleaf was an AT&T executive who later devoted himself to the study of
leadership and organizational behavior. Inspired by Eastern philosophy,
literature, and the Quaker tradition.
• In 1970, Greenleaf published his essay "The Servant as Leader," where he
introduced the concept of servant leadership.This essay marked the formal
beginning of the modern servant leadership movement.
 Introduction to
Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy and style that emphasizes the

leader's primary role as a servant to their team, employees, or followers.
This approach is characterized by a strong focus on serving others and
prioritizing their needs, fostering a culture of empathy, collaboration, and
personal development. The concept of servant leadership was popularized
by Robert K. Greenleaf in his essay "The Servant as Leader," published in
1970.
 CHARACTERISTICS
OF A SERVANT
LEADER
Servant leadership is characterized by specific traits and behaviors that
distinguish it from more traditional leadership styles. Here are the key
characteristics of a servant leader:
• LISTENING
• EMPATHY • PERSUASION
• HEALING • COMMITMENT TO THE GROWTH OF PEOPLE
• SELF-AWARENESS • COURAGE
• SERVANTHOOD
 LISTENING
Servant leaders actively listen to their team members. They seek to
understand others' perspectives, ideas, and concerns, creating an open
and communicative environment. By actively listening, a leader
demonstrates respect, builds trust, and gains valuable insights into the
needs and concerns of their team. In essence, effective listening is the
gateway to understanding and serving the needs of others, making it a
critical and fundamental characteristic of servant leadership.
 EMPATHY
A strong sense of empathy is a hallmark of
servant leadership. Leaders show genuine
concern for the well-being of their team
members, understanding and sharing their
feelings. They strive to connect with others on
a personal and emotional level.
 HEALING
Servant leaders contribute to the emotional and
spiritual well-being of their team. They create a
supportive and positive environment that promotes
healing and personal development.
SELF-AWARENESS
Servant leaders are self-aware and understand their
strengths and weaknesses. They recognize their
impact on others and continuously strive for
personal growth.
 PERSUASION
Instead of relying on authority or coercion, servant
leaders use persuasion and influence to guide their
teams. They build consensus and encourage buy-in
from team members.
 COMMITMENT TO THE
GROWTH OF PEOPLE
Servant leaders are dedicated to the personal and
professional development of their team members.
They provide opportunities for learning and growth.
 COURAGE
Servant leaders have the courage to make difficult
decisions in the best interest of the team and the
organization. They stand up for what is right and
take calculated risks.
SERVANTHOOD

At the core, servant leaders see leadership as an

opportunity to serve others. They embrace a
mindset of servanthood, putting the needs of others
first.
CONCLUSION
In summary, servant leadership is about being a good leader by
putting others first. It's like being a helpful and supportive team
player rather than just giving orders. Listening to people,
understanding how they feel, and caring about their growth are key.
Servant leaders create a positive and trusting environment, where
everyone works together toward success. It's leadership that focuses
on serving others, making the workplace a better and happier space
for everyone.