The Effectiveness of Leadership Skills - Assignment Example

Servant Leadership Servant Leadership There is no one best style of leadership. A style for one situation may failin another situation. In determining leadership styles and models, various variables have to be studied and analyzed: role assumed by the leader, distance of leader to the group being led, knowledge and control of resources, nature of task, motivation of worker, group productivity, leader’s recognition of work accomplished, communication network, size of group, educational qualifications and mental ability of the leader, and personality of subordinates. The list can be longer taking into account contemporary theories on leadership. Servant leadership, the model developed by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970, promotes that “the servant leader serves the people he/she leads which implies that they are an end in themselves rather than a means to an organizational purpose or bottom line.” (McCrimmon, 2010, 1) Servant leaders focus on utilizing the appropriate interplay of characteristics and skills at the right situation given the unique personalities and needs of their followers – to better achieve organizational goals. In doing so, organizations blessed with servant leaders become more conscientious in their objectives to include social responsibilities, environmental concerns, community development, social and civic projects, among others. The objectives of this essay are to address and respond on the following issues concerning servant leadership: a) Explain whether you agree or disagree with this statement: "Although servant leadership is often associated with the Bible and Jesus Christ, it is totally compatible with most religions and theories of philosophy". One of the reasons why servant leadership is associated with the Bible and Jesus Christ is because Jesus Christ, who is God’s only Son, “was the ultimate example of a leader who took on the form of a servant and humbled himself even to death on the cross in order to fulfill His Fathers redemptive plan for humanity” (Christianet, 2008, par. 1). Being the model of servant leadership, the discourse emphasized that “qualities such as kindness, forgiveness, patience, love and self control should be evident through any Christians life and especially in those that aspire to lead. Although there are many Christian qualities that should set apart any Christian from his or her secular counterpart, there is one particular quality that Jesus manifested with grace and dignity. Ironically, the most powerful man who ever lived became the most humble, servant leader of all” (Christianet, 2008, par. 4). However, I agree that the concept of servant leadership is totally compatible with most religions and theories of philosophy. Spears (2006, 2) proffered the distinguishing characteristics of servant leaders, to wit: possessing skills in (1) listening, (2) empathy, (3) healing, (4) awareness, (5) persuasion, (6) conceptualization, (7) foresight, (8) stewardship, (9) commitment to the growth of people, and (10) building community. In this regard, the skills focus on the servant leaders’ selflessness and innate desire to serve others. The concern of others more than oneself has been the basis of most religions’ theological doctrines and utilitarian concepts of ethics and philosophy. Humility and the promotion of peace through service are one of the underlying frameworks for servant leadership which is widely accepted and compatible with diverse religions and theories of philosophy over time. b) Describe one attribute or capacity of servant leadership. Provide an example of when you have seen a leader demonstrate that capacity. Describe the impact the leaders behavior had on the situation. Use a retail or banking organization for the example. One of the most notable leaders who manifest the characteristics and traits of a servant leader is John Francis Welch, Jr., former Chief Executive Officer of General Electric, known as Jack to many. His style of leadership enriched everyone he came in touch with. This leader exhibits some traits exemplifying both servant and transformational leadership in the following aspects: being people oriented, believing that subordinates who know their tasks and are aware that they are contributing to organizational goals are innately motivated, being passionate in one’s work, being genuinely concerned of others, providing followers with opportunities to excel and succeed. Jack Welch focused on this people. He acknowledged the vast potentials that each of his personnel has. He personally teaches and trains his personnel, particularly the managerial and executive groups. He has a unique and charismatic way of motivating them by making them feel that any of them can talk to him directly and informally at all times. He encourages sharing of success and failure as a continuous learning experience for growth and development. He manifests the characteristics of an intent listener, always aware of critical organizational issues, has exemplary business acumen, with commitment to the growth of people. According to De Graaf, et.al. (2001, 1), “servant-leadership is about creating the right organizational environment to get the best out of people. It is about organizational effectiveness to unleash the true potential of employees, which is especially needed at the middle-management level of organizations.” In this case, the top level of management manifested the attributes for a servant leader in the person of Jack Welch. c) Explain the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence and the role they play in enabling you as a leader to model the capacities of characteristics of servant leadership. The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement (2010, par. 1) defined self-awareness as “knowing your own strengths and limitations and understanding your own emotions and the impact of your behaviour on others in diverse situations”. On the other hand, Hein (2007) defines emotional intelligence as “the innate potential to feel, use, communicate, recognize, remember, describe, identify, learn from, manage, understand and explain emotions” (par.1). These traits enable servant leaders to acknowledge their own personal capabilities, strengths as well as weaknesses and limitations. Through servant leadership, the qualities of an inspirational leader are manifested: that of showing their weakness, becoming a sensor, practicing through empathy and daring to be different. Self awareness enables servant leaders to focus on the development of their personal skills, especially on traits where they acknowledge their personal weaknesses. Emotional intelligence equips servant leaders on skills in applying empathy, awareness and commitment towards growth of other people. These two traits are critical in the servant leaders’ role of devoting their services to the needs of the people they lead and serve. Conclusion The effectiveness of leadership skills is a matter of goal accomplishment. The personality of a successful servant leader encompasses characteristics and traits which surpass a limited domain. The scope of their vision goes beyond dreams and aspirations of ordinary people. They pledge and devote themselves towards serving others and enhancing the growth and potentials of other people. Servant leadership theories are integrated in theological doctrines of most religions and contain theoretical frameworks which are consistent and compatible with theories of philosophy. Although premised to be associated with the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ, servant leadership remains to be manifested in diverse business organizations encompassing different cultures and races. Contemporary leaders have manifested traits of servant leaders and were instrumental in transforming their organizations to social responsible enterprises committed to growth, development and the welfare of mankind. References Christianet. (2008). Servant leadership. Retrieved 09 April 2010. < http://www.christianet.com/bibleverses/leadership.htm> De Graaf, D., Tilley, C., & Neal, L. (2001). Servant Leadership Characteristic in Organizational Life. Retrieved 09 April 2010. < http://home.earthlink.net/~denmartin/slc.html> Hein, S. (2007). Definition of Emotional Intelligence. Retrieved 09 April 2010. < http://eqi.org/eidefs.htm> McCrimmon, M. (2010). What is Servant Leadership? Retrieved 09 April 2010. NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement. (2010). Definition of Self-Awareness. Retrieved 09 April 2010. < http://www.executive.modern.nhs.uk/framework/personalqualities/selfawareness.aspx> Spears, L.C. (2006). On Character and Servant-Leadership: Ten Characteristics of Effective, Caring Leaders. Retrieved 09 April 2010. Read More