The Servant
I finished The Servant by James Hunter last week. It was the second time I’ve read this excellent book, and it reminded me again of the values I hold that guide me as I try to lead in the various aspects of my life.
Hunter first challenges the traditional “command” leadership model and asserts that in today’s workplace this model breaks down as is widely ineffective. Rather, he proposes a new paradigm: turn the “command” model upside down. Hunter calls this model “servant leadership.”
The basics work like this: consider those under you as your customer. You want to do the best job you can to empower them to serve their customers the best. So you provide them with what they need to accomplish their tasks. This is very different than giving them what they want. Needs and wants rarely overlap, and are a key role in leadership is discerning when something is needed and when it is just wanted.
Serving those under you as a leader builds authority - that is the ability to convince others to accomplish the tasks you desire to be completed… but they want to do it because of the authority they have place in you. Authority is very different than power — again think flipping the command model upside down. Margaret Thatcher said it this way:
Being in power is like being a lady. If you have to remind people that you are, you aren’t.
–Margaret Thatcher
Authority is built on service. So what is service built on? Putting others before yourself. Hunter calls this Love the Verb. Love as an emotion is transitory. Love as a verb is a choice. Hunter defines Love the Verb using the model laid out in the Bible:
Leading out of Love:
- Showing Self-Control
- Giving Attention, Appreciation, and Encouragement
- Being Authentic and Without Pretense or Arrogance
- Treating Others as Important People
- Meeting the Needs of Others
- Giving Up Resentment when Wronged
- Being Free from Deception
- Sticking to Your Choices
The Result: Setting Aside Your Own Wants and Needs; Seeking the Greatest Good for Others
Who wouldn’t want to follow a leader who consistently displayed those traits? I know I would love to follow someone that treated me with such respect. I know that I want to be that kind of leader someday.
Fortunately, Hunter says the process of becoming that leader is just that a process. Each choice we make to build these traits into our lives begins building habits of leadership that eventually shape our character into the type of leader we want to become. In this way, our WILL to make the right choice is the foundation upon which the “servant leadership” pyramid rests.
WILL -> LOVE -> SERVICE/SACRIFICE -> AUTHORITY -> LEADERSHIP
It all begins with my choice. Today I’m choosing to build my leadership ability by working on my ability to truly love those in my care. I like the picture of a shepherd - a true leader is going to care deeply for those who are following him. If I don’t care deeply, my leadership will be less effective.
If you haven’t picked up this book yet… what are you waiting for? It’s a quick read, maybe 180 pages, but you’ll want to read it multiple times to really let the message sink deep.
Cheers!
Jeff.