[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/448178600404202989/

The servant and the leader. These two concepts seem dichotomous to the majority. In retrospect, prior to studying Servant leadership in depth, I too didn’t understand how these two concepts could go hand in hand because I hadn’t taken the time to develop my Servant consciousness. Horsman (2015) writes, “Servant consciousness is awakened with the acknowledgment that leadership is relational” (p. 2). My experiences over the course of the last two years have demonstrated that developing a Servant consciousness requires years of commitment, introspection and connection with others. It is through service to others along with the conscious choice to serve that I’ve nourished my capacity for Servant-leadership.

Greenleaf (1977) introduces the notion of Servant-leadership by posing the question: “Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous? …What is the effect on the least privileged in society; will they benefit or, at least, not be further deprived?” (p. 13-14). Servant leadership is about leading with integrity and humility. It is a way of being in the world which recognizes that through service one can create meaning and purpose in the lives of many. Servant leadership means having a Servant heart, being mentor-minded, and showing care and concern for others. This level of empathy is achieved through listening deeply and compassionately to the hearts of others. In doing so, Servant leaders create a sense of belonging in the communities they serve. They inspire trust and confidence, are comfortable with complexity, and exercise foresight.

I feel fortunate to understand the value of Servant leadership and recognize that building my capacity for moral intelligence will enable me to authentically serve others. Through making the conscious choice to serve first, I can inspire others to have a greater sense of self-worth and with through this inspiration, I can enhance my own personal and professional growth. My wise friend, mentor, and Servant leader mentor Melanie once told me that Servant leadership is not only highly relational, but it is also symbiotic. Servant leaders are healers and seekers. They strive to make others whole through understanding their deepest desires and hopes.

I chose the image of the philodendron as an analogy for Servant leadership. In many ways, Servant leadership is much like gardening. The first step is to look for the potential for growth within oneself through understanding one’s personal values. From there, Servant leaders must strive to nurture their values and their commitment to service to others. Leaders serve others by doing what they do best each day. Servant leaders recognize the many gifts they can offer the world and the communities in which they serve. This is why I’m incorporating the StrengthsFinder assessment into the BCFP Capstone Seminar. Servant leadership requires planting seeds to inspire the growth of others. These seeds must be watered and cared for to grow. As a Servant leader, I recognize that I must continuously nurture my garden. Overtime, through this continuous commitment, a beautiful, healthy plant will appear. This requires reflection, listening to others first, and understanding my personal values and strengths.

Food for Thought:

1. What type of leader do you strive to be?
2. How do you nurture your “Servant consciousness?”
3. How can you leverage your strengths each day to be the best version of yourself for the communities you serve?