Chapter 1 What is a Servant Leader?

How often do we actually stop and think about what makes a good leader? We are quick to criticise and find fault with those in leadership positions but would not necessarily be willing to stand in their place. Australian culture, sadly I believe, often seeks to find the weakness rather than praise what is good. Who amongst would say or admit that we worked for a good boss? A favoured past-time of many Australian workers is to ridicule the boss. Perhaps this is because many people in leadership positions are managers and not leaders, or not the leader that people would willingly choose to follow. The question before us then is, what is a servant leader? The term is used regularly in Christian circles but is not well understood. Indeed, what constitutes a good leader? What qualities should they have? Are these qualities inherited or can they be learned? These questions need to be explored to identify the principles of leadership which will form the basis of the program.

Community Understanding
Before we answer those questions it is useful to gain an appreciation of what our own community, the community of Burgmann, presently believe about these questions of leadership. To find out a survey was sent out for interested students, staff and parents to complete. The response rate was disappointing with a total of 27 students and staff (no parents) completing the survey. This may reflect a number of things including a lack of time, a lack of interest or a lack of understanding of the notion of leadership. It may indicate that a program of leadership has to include not only leadership opportunities but also clear teaching about leadership itself. Of the people who chose to identify themselves in the survey, the majority I would classify as being either in positions of leadership or having leadership potential; this was also reflected in the answers they provided. The first question looked at the qualities of a good leader (see table 1).
Table 1 What makes a good leader? Student Response [sic] They have to not be self centered but do what others want as well as what they want. They have to listen to there followers and put others before themselves. Someone who is confident with themselves and their beliefs but not cocky about it. The ability to give fair orders, recognise better ideas from others, listening to everyones opinion equally A good leader is someone that can help and guide others. This person is someone that is confident in what they do and are glad to share what they know with others. I think that a good leader would be someone who can set a good example for others, listens and cares about raised issues and treats people the way they would like to be treated (equally) they don't abuse their "power"

Good people skills and a happy person Someone that can relate to others well. A person who can manage and guide people under them and listen to what others have to say. they can take criticism from others and think about why this may happen. they are confident with what they do and are aren't scared to speak out. Someone who can take control of a group, make informed decisions, organise things, they should also be understanding, patient and fair. Has good spirit and encourages others to persuvae them in doing things in a friendly warm Someone who cares for their followers; someone who thinks in perspective and treats everyone fairly; someone who is patient and honest to everyone. They have initiative and good ideas and always up for a challenge. they set a good example and people look up to them. Staff response [sic] Confident, sympathetic, open to changing personal ideas/systems in view of new ones presented by others. Acknowledges good ideas Ability to put themselves in others shoes. Stands firm on important issues flexible on others. I believe a good leader is someone that others choose to follow. A good leader is someone who can recognise the importance of the people that are working for them, and to acknowledge their efforts. A good leader appreciates the role of those being led, and is able to uplift them by example, commitment and enthusiasm. Leaves a legacy of good leadership for others to aspire to and follow. A good leader is someone who has empathy, excellent social skills, the ability to enthuse and inspire people, is organised, is approachable and above all has a sense of purpose and direction. Someone who has the ability to devise a vision and act on it, bringing out the strengths in his or her team. A leader should model a servant attitude. A good leader is a person with a high level of personal integrity and self-awareness that allows for an insightful attitude towards those under his/her leadership. A good leader is a thoughtful and firm decision maker who is able to see the bigger picture without losing sight of the smaller details of people's lives. A good leader is willing to serve others to enable the collaborative achievement of goals. A good leader is a careful and empowering delegator as well as a responsible manager. Someone who cares about the strengths and needs of those they are leading. Who is strong and grounded, though flexible when necessary. Who copes well under pressure.

The responses provided, while few in number, display a good understanding of leadership and in particular, servant leadership. A pertinent statement was made by a staff member, a good leader is someone that others choose to follow. Number of responses Respondents were also asked to provide the qualities that should typify a good leader. Words provided included: Quality Honesty (sincerity, trustworthy, 11 Intelligent 2 integrity) 8 Sense of Humour 2 Approachable (open-minded, friendly) 7 Patience 2 Confidence 6 Decision maker 2 Committed (dedicated, loyal) 5 Team Builder 2 Cheerful (optimistic, hopeful) 4 Strong 2 Respect (acknowledges individuals) 4 Goal orientated 1 Innovative (creative, visionary) 4 Determined 1 Kind (caring, compassionate, 4 Foresight 1 thoughtful) 3 Forgiving 1 Listener 3 Humility 1 Hardworking (energetic) 3 Initiative 1 Fair 3 Organised 1 Courage (brave) 3 Self-aware 1 Enthusiasm (passionate) 3 Self-control 1 Communicator 2 Personal maturity 1 Empathy 2 Wise 1 Inspiring Flexible