Brownell's Theory Of Servant Leadership

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Introduction As emerging professionals, choosing what type of leader to be can be challenging. Do you want to take the role of a dictator and insure that the tasks are getting done? Or is it important to have an enjoyable work environment where members of the group feel welcome to start discussions. In this discussion it looks at the idea of servant leadership. It explains what personality characteristics are prominent in those that are servant leaders. Also, it looks into how this leadership style affects customer satisfaction and how it is implemented in the cooperate world. Since this leadership style might not be right for everyone, there is information about different leadership styles and how they may take route for leaders.
History
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For example, in the last hundred years, leadership has moved from the “great man” concept to the idea of servant leadership. In the early 1920’s the idea of leadership was defined as, “The ability to impress the will of the leader on those led and induce obedience, respect, loyalty, and cooperation” (Brownell, 2010, p. 2). In these years, it was discussed that only single white women age 25 to 35 white married men age 30 to 40 had the ability to be leaders. Also, Brownell (2010) says, “Wage earners are not running the business; they don’t want to and they don’t know how” (p.2). Thankfully, we have changed the idea of leadership and adapted new characteristics of leadership. During the 1950s and 1960s theories of leadership moved away from the idea that leaders were born to the fact that leadership can be taught. Within the last 25 years, the industry moved to a more of a transformational leadership style. Which states, “Transformational leaders’ effectiveness was often based on their charisma and the strong relationships they established.” (Brownell, 2010, p.3). These leaders worked towards forming strong teams and having open communication among all employees. From this theory we move to what is being adapted across the industry which is the idea of servant leadership.
Description of Servant Leadership
The phrase “servant leadership” was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in The Servant
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The idea of self-concept can be connected with the values of; self-image, self-esteem, self- perception, and self-awareness. From these values a person that is aware of their self-concept will put forth their values and beliefs into the way they leader. “Servant leaders view themselves as the servant first, as distinguished from leaders first, who later serves out of promptings of conscience or in conformity with normative expectations” (Sendjaya, S., 2002, p.4). From this quote, we can see that the main purpose of servant leadership is having the ability to step away from the position of power and serving others. Unlike other leader roles that are supervisor – subordinate but in fact a client – servant (Sendjaya, S., 2002,

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