Organizations as Servant-Leaders

Greenleaf extended this philosophy to organizations. He believed that institutions could also embody servant-leadership. In his book he calls it “The Institution as Servant,” he advocated for caring institutions that serve people, both within and outside their walls.

Key Points

  • Purpose of Institutions: Institutions should aim to create a more just and loving society by serving as servants.

  • Regenerative Forces: Institutions can become regenerative forces by raising their capacity to serve and performance as servants.

  • Leadership Philosophy: Servant leadership starts with the desire to serve, followed by the aspiration to lead.

  • Community Building: Servant leaders have the opportunity to foster community within large institutions.

  • Servant-Leader Attributes: Attributes include being supportive, attentive, and enabling success and growth.

  • Mutual Benefit: Servant leadership benefits both the organization and its employees.

  • Cultural Impact: Servant leadership should positively influence corporate culture, promoting diversity and well-being.

Yukl’s Supporting and additional Perspective

Gary Yukl, in his research on leadership, acknowledges the essence of servant leadership:

  1. Relationship-Centered: Servant leadership repositions leadership as a process of relationship. It’s not just about actions but about the mutual influence between leader and follower.

  2. Mutual Influence: Servant-leaders recognize that influence flows both ways. They listen, empathize, and collaborate. Their focus is on building strong relationships.

  3. Empowering Others: Rather than hoarding power, servant-leaders empower their team members. They create an environment where everyone can contribute and thrive.