The Servant The Servant written by James C. Hunter, revolves around what it means to be a good leader. What makes a leader a great leader? Through the story, John Daily attends a seminar and meets a monk. Soon after, John realizes the true fundamentals that lay the foundation for leadership, as well as their applications. Upon reading the book, one can derive three different leadership skills that can be applied to being a good manager: difference between power and authority, service and sacrifice, and the “will” skill. First off, the book demonstrates the difference between power and authority. Power is the ability to force or coerce others into doing one’s will. On the other hand, authority is the ability to influence others into doing
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James C. Hunter explains that service and sacrifice “come from identifying and meeting legitimate needs” (86). One should also take note, that it is important to know what the evident needs are and how to serve those needs without giving wants. In addition, one should be willing to serve those that are willing to serve back in return. This back-and-forth transfer of servitude is essential because it allows one to get the job done more efficiently with the help of others. Some managers might say, “I am higher ranked than they are, why should I serve them?” However, one must be willing to sacrifice this way of thinking and find ways of satisfying the needs of those under their management. Meeting their needs is crucial to understanding the obligations and decisions one must make to keep those under their care happy. More importantly, happy workers leads to lower employee turnover, lower hiring and training costs, and more efficient production. However, one needs to find a method in which he can keep those under him happy without sacrificing too much. Overall, service and sacrifice are important factors management should consider, as they are key factors in lowering costs and working more …show more content…
The Servant demonstrates that “will” must have intentions, meaning that one’s actions must align with their intentions. If one’s actions are not aligned with their intentions, then there is no “will” to do anything. James C. Hunter stated, “It is only when our actions are aligned with our intentions that we become congruent people and congruent leaders” (89). For example, a good manager would align his intentions and actions to be able to lead those under him in the right direction. There should be no second guessing one’s actions, if those actions are aligned with their intentions. Due to the fact that, one should know they are “willing” to do whatever it takes to get the job done because their actions are tied into their intentions. Thus, to be a good manager one should align their actions and intentions, for the purpose of producing a strong and capable “will” to accomplish what needs to be done and lead others down the right
James C. Hunter explains that service and sacrifice “come from identifying and meeting legitimate needs” (86). One should also take note, that it is important to know what the evident needs are and how to serve those needs without giving wants. In addition, one should be willing to serve those that are willing to serve back in return. This back-and-forth transfer of servitude is essential because it allows one to get the job done more efficiently with the help of others. Some managers might say, “I am higher ranked than they are, why should I serve them?” However, one must be willing to sacrifice this way of thinking and find ways of satisfying the needs of those under their management. Meeting their needs is crucial to understanding the obligations and decisions one must make to keep those under their care happy. More importantly, happy workers leads to lower employee turnover, lower hiring and training costs, and more efficient production. However, one needs to find a method in which he can keep those under him happy without sacrificing too much. Overall, service and sacrifice are important factors management should consider, as they are key factors in lowering costs and working more …show more content…
The Servant demonstrates that “will” must have intentions, meaning that one’s actions must align with their intentions. If one’s actions are not aligned with their intentions, then there is no “will” to do anything. James C. Hunter stated, “It is only when our actions are aligned with our intentions that we become congruent people and congruent leaders” (89). For example, a good manager would align his intentions and actions to be able to lead those under him in the right direction. There should be no second guessing one’s actions, if those actions are aligned with their intentions. Due to the fact that, one should know they are “willing” to do whatever it takes to get the job done because their actions are tied into their intentions. Thus, to be a good manager one should align their actions and intentions, for the purpose of producing a strong and capable “will” to accomplish what needs to be done and lead others down the right