[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/448178600404295687/ 

In the words of Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” (Good Reads). Angelou’s words are the embodiment of my leadership philosophy because they represent the congruence of mind, body, and spirit which is essential for Servant leadership. As a leader who strives to exemplify Servant leadership, it is my intention to be congruent with my values so those around me can flourish as a result of my leadership. Servant leadership is a way of being in the world that is present, compassionate, curious, and creative. I am a firm believer that we become human through our interactions with others. Leading by way of my personal leadership philosophy enhances the potential for meaning in all aspects of my life.  My Servant leadership philosophy starts with self-awareness, which enhances my capacity to listen. Through listening first, I am drawn deeper to my commitment to Ubuntu, curiosity, humility and living a life of joy; all of which define my philosophy of Servant leadership.

Self-Awareness.

My Servant leadership philosophy starts with self-awareness which arises through deep reflection and work on my inner life. I serve others through being a wife, a friend, a daughter, a colleague and a mentor. I know I can’t be the Servant leader I strive to be if I don’t create time for my inner life. Palmer (2004) writes, “Walking the third way…means taking simple steps, one at a time, steps that honor the soul” (p. 170). Faith is at the heart of my Servant leadership philosophy. Faith and Servant leadership are inextricably bound because they both require a lifelong commitment and reflection. My faith and my leadership are nourished through daily meditation.  Meditation leaves me centered and fully present. Being present means I’m able to form deeper connections with others because I am more self-aware. I also believe that connection with nature is essential for self-awareness. Being in nature, especially in silence, helps foster my spiritual relationship with the world around me. In doing so I’m able to be more present in each moment which better prepares me to serve others. It is my intention to continue to commit my life to reflection, faith, and meditation because through doing so I’ve discovered that all humans are on a journey to discover who they really are. It is through this journey and through connection to others I’ve discovered my purpose in this world: to serve others by way of my Servant leadership philosophy. Self-awareness thus becomes the framework which defines my Servant leadership philosophy because it is rooted in connection with myself in relationship to others.

Listening.

Briskin et al (2009) write, “Synchronicity invites us to pay attention to the entirety of experience and to be fully present, because every moment and chance may have meaning” (p. 79).  As a Servant leader, being fully present facilitates the process of listening with an open mind, heart, and will to the possibility of synchronicity. It is through building my capacity for self-awareness through meditation that I am able to listen more deeply with my heart, mind, and spirit. Experience has taught me that deep listening is the birthplace for mindfulness, discernment, and life-long learning. As a Servant leader, I’m committed to continuously nurturing my capacity for listening through creating time for silence.  I’ve found that through silence, my capacity for listening is nourished and I’m able to be in tune with my “Self”. This “Self” represents my greatest potential as a human being; someone who is free of cynicism, judgment, and fear. My “Self” is someone who listens with an open mind, heart, and will to the emerging “Self” potential that I believe resides within each of us. Through commitment to developing a capacity for listening to others, I create an environment where those around me flourish. Listening to the hearts of others is one of my many gifts to the world. Listening is the foundation of Servant leadership, for without the capacity to listen I cannot treat others with Ubuntu, which is the next building block of my leadership philosophy.

Ubuntu.

Tutu (1999) writes, “We are made for togetherness, for friendship, for community, for family, we are created to live in a delicate network of interdependence” (p. 265). My faith and my leadership philosophy are both rooted in what Tutu calls Ubuntu. Tutu (1999) eloquently writes, “My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours…A person is a person through other persons… A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others… He or she is diminished when others are tortured or oppressed” (p. 31). My awareness of the interdependence of humanity is enhanced through making Ubuntu part of my Servant leadership philosophy.  Ubuntu means valuing diversity through being open, available, and curious about others. Makau et al (1997) write, “Diversity is a source of powerful learning about ourselves and others” (p. 12). Ubuntu means practicing empathy for everyone through recognizing that suffering and joy are enduring dynamics of our existence. Ubuntu means recognizing the potential for growth, learning, and meaning in all human interactions, even with those who may want to harm us. This requires a deep understanding that we all make sense of the world differently and an appreciation that conflict can be a conduit to change. I lead by virtue of Ubuntu because it creates more fruitful relationships with those I serve, while nourishing my soul and deepening my capacity for Servant leadership. It is through treating others with Ubuntu and through being curious about the world around me that I inspire the growth and development of those I serve.

Curiosity.

Greenleaf (1996) eloquently writes, “People can hope that as they live from day to day, they will be able to see more clearly the infinite possibilities in each day, in such things as…courage and caution, mind and heart… that their natural response to all creatures will be one of interest” (p.23). I believe that diversity is the birthplace for creativity. I have seen this play out in my organization, my community, and my relationships. Through attracting diverse talent, my organization thrives because new perspectives and values are introduced. In community, understanding Ubuntu fosters inclusiveness where even those who are marginalized are no longer silenced. My relationships to others of diverse backgrounds are fruitful for it is through these relationships that I am able to continuously nurture and enhance my capacity for Servant leadership. Curiosity thus becomes a fundamental value of my Servant leadership philosophy because it means commitment to building an open and inclusive environment for those I serve. Curiosity is about building connection with the world around me. I believe it is through this connection that the purpose of our existence comes to fruition. As a leader, I have two goals each day: to learn something new and to do something creative. Greenleaf (1977) writes, “Creativity involves risk, experimentation, and perseverance in the face of failure” (p. 225). It is through modeling curiosity that I create a place where others are heard and their perspectives are valued. My Servant leadership philosophy is rooted in commitment to life-long learning. It is through this way of being in the world that I serve those around me through my leadership. In building self-awareness, listening deeply to others, valuing Ubuntu, and remaining consistently curious about the world, I’ve come to understand humility as a key ingredient to my Servant leadership philosophy.

Humility.

Sipe & Frick (2009) write, “The practice of Servant leadership as embodied in the trait of humility requires courage of intentional vulnerability and voluntary surrender of one’s ego for the sake of others and the organization” (p.29). Society has taught us that vulnerability is a sign of weakness, however, I’m a firm believer that allowing ourselves to be seen through serving others with humility, is the greatest strength one can demonstrate. I’ve learned this through observing the wise Servant leader mentors who have inspired my leadership philosophy. These humble leaders engage in vulnerability through taking risks and cultivating trust. This means they recognize their own shortcomings as leaders. They recognize there are shadows to their strengths and that all humans are on different paths to their journey of self-discovery.

I recognize my awareness, my capacity for listening, my appreciation for Ubuntu, and my curiosity, as blessings that have come to fruition through my education. It is a privilege and an honor to be enrolled in a Graduate program where I can develop and understand my way of being in the world. My Servant leadership philosophy means constantly reminding myself that good leadership requires a sense of humility to authentically serve others. I engage with others in this way because it invites others to be vulnerable. Brown (2012) writes, “It is the courage to be vulnerable that transforms the way we live, love, parent and lead” (p.3). In order to strengthen my capacity for humility, I strive to do something each day that makes me uncomfortable. Through doing so, my commitment to living a joyful life is nourished and through this I can be the leader I hope to become through my Servant leadership philosophy.

A Life of Joy. 

Ferch (2012) writes, “Some things are worth fighting for: our children, our joy, the fulfillment of a whole life” (p. 93).  The legacy of a joyful life is what I hope to achieve through my Servant leadership philosophy. I believe joy comes about through developing self-awareness listening, treating others with Ubuntu, always being curious about the world, and through serving others graciously with humility. My Servant leadership philosophy thus becomes my framework for living a joyful and congruent life. By living a life of joy, I will positively influence those I serve. This is a life that inspires others to leave their own unique legacy for the world because it is through joy that we connect with the vivacity of life. My Servant leadership philosophy starts with building a capacity for self-awareness so I can become a more whole-hearted leader who joyfully serves others. Ferch (2012) writes, “Real joy is a unique entity, a significant mover in our society, and one of the great engines of humanity” (p. 93). Through commitment to listening, building connection with others through the embodiment of Ubuntu, remaining acutely curious about the world around me and not being afraid of vulnerability, my Servant leadership philosophy embodies a way of being in the world that is joyful. This life-giving approach to leadership enhances all aspects of my life leaving me feeling congruent, engaged, and committed to a journey of intentional living. It is my hope that this way of being in the world will be my lasting legacy.