Robert K. Greenleaf: The Nature Of Servant Leadership

The nature of servant leadership is fluid, it flows from internal work and dedication. ‘Servant Leaders’ take on responsibility and voluntarily offer assistance throughout their lives. Servant leaders can not be overpowering or demand things from their ‘followers’. They lead from within, they can not lead from above nor can they lead from exterior positions. They need to be integrated, dedicated members of the community they are serving. Leading from within is the only way that servant leadership can flourish without out egotistical corruption. True servant leadership is very rare as it can only be driven by a selfless ability to nurture others. Robert K. Greenleaf first coined the the term ‘Servant Leader’ and proposed that
“The servant-leader
‘Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.’ (John 13:1) He had accepted that he was going to leave this world soon, he could have asked anything of his followers. Instead he ‘wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him’ (John 13:4-5). He made the decision to serve first and lead second. ‘I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him’ (John 13:15-16). This is the origin of servant leadership, Jesus created servant leaders out of his disciples to and instructed them through his example to do the same after his passing. Servant Leadership is usually related to this story and by extension to christianity. However, that does not mean that servant leadership isn’t a desirable quality in all religions. Servant leadership is not religiously based, it is a philosophy that everyone is allowed to follow and aspire towards. Almost all religions have a basis in this philosophy of serving others over yourself. However, it is the motivations behind the service is what defines whether it is servant leadership or simple