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Spears (2002) writes, “Learning how to help heal difficult situations is a powerful force for transforming organizations. Servant leaders recognize that they have an opportunity to help make whole those people and institutions with whom they come in contact” (p. 226). Healing is an attribute of Servant leadership which was hard for me to grasp at first. How does one make others whole? There are so many circumstances that are beyond our control. How does one heal another under these circumstances? Then it dawned on me. I’ve been practicing healing all along. Greenleaf (1977) writes, “broken sprits and have suffered from a variety of emotional hurts. Although this is part of being human, servant leaders recognize that they have the opportunity to help make others whole” (p. 177). Servant leaders recognize the opportunity for healing and don’t see this opportunity as a task or burden. Rather they view the opportunity to make others whole as part of having a Serving heart. Ubuntu is one of my core values. Ubuntu reminds me daily that we are all connected through our humanity. Therefore, healing becomes an inherent guideline for my leadership.  I’m humbled when I’m able to share moments of healing moments with others, and when others lend this kindness to me. Whether that be through a simple act of kindness, an encouraging word, or a shared moment of silence with someone in pain, I’m convinced that healing is perhaps the most transformational principle of Servant leadership.

My image for this post is a crystal. Many people believe that crystals have special healing properties. Whether or not you believe in the healing power of crystals, we can all connect on the fact that suffering is an enduring dynamic of our human experience. I dedicate this post to Nonni, who passed away the day I returned from delivering the BCFP Capstone Seminar. Nonni was the embodiment of someone who sought to make others whole through her empathy. Growing up in an orphanage in Fiji, losing her son in a sudden tragedy, and immigrating to the U.S., were all experiences that taught Nonni the value of connecting with the joy of life. Thank you for showing me that love has no boundaries and that the opportunity to heal others is something we should continuously seek. I love you Nonni. May you forever rest in peace.

Food for Thought:

1. When have you witnessed Servant leader Healing?
2. How do you seek to make others whole?