What is a Servant Leader?
It is a philosophy where the main goal of the leader is to serve others.
Definition
Servant Leadership is a philosophy where the main goal of the leader is to serve others, focusing on their well-being and growth.
Key Principle
The servant leader shares power, puts the needs of their team first, and helps people develop and perform to their highest potential.
Contrast
Unlike traditional leadership, which often involves the accumulation and exercise of power, servant leadership emphasizes serving and empowering others.
Origin
The phrase 'servant leadership' was first popularized by Robert K. Greenleaf in his 1970 essay 'The Servant as Leader'. Greenleaf credited his reading of 'Journey to the East' by Hermann Hesse as the inspiration for the term.
Application
Greenleaf applied the concept in an organizational context while working as an executive at AT&T.