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Servant Leadership
Robert K. Greenleaf, who died in 1990, has been a powerful voice in the dialogue to reshape management and leadership policy. He developed his theory of servent leadership while an executive at AT&T, and subsequently lectured at MIT, Harvard Business School, Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia. The Center for Applied Ethics, which he founded, eventually became the Robert K. Greenleaf Center, located in Indianapolis.
380 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
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May 24, 2012
Not a Book for the Weak of Heart
Servant-Leadership is rapidly becoming a popularized term and a popular concept to bandy about in many circles.
This is the book that started that trend.
Published originally in 1977, it contains articles and concepts that found their germination in the turbulant decade of the 1960's. While you might imagine from the term "Servant-Leader" that the ideology of this book stems from religious conviction and it certainly does include that, you may be surprised to read in the first chapter of the book that it finds its inspiration in literature. Specifically, the Servant-Leader who captured Greenleaf's imagination and catalyzed the writing of this book was the fictional character Leo in Herman Hesse's "Journey to the East."
More surprises remain in store throughout this book that challenges concepts seemingly ingrained in human nature and counter-intuitively argues for several revolutionary premises, not simply on the basis of morality, but rather effectiveness and societal need.
In particular, Greenleaf argues that the advent of big business, large institutions, and corporate growth requires a paradigm shift in the view of leadership. Contrary to the anti-authoritarianism so ingrained in the 60's, Greenleaf argues that large organizations hold tremendous promise to accomplish correspondingly large results. What is needed are leaders who will embrace the organizations and see them almost as separate entities, living organisms as it were, love them, care for them and serve the population within and without through them.
The qualities that Greenleaf profers as indicative of such growth and service are:
1. Do those served grow as persons?
2. Do they, while being served become healthier wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?
3. What is the effect on the least privileged in society?
4. Will they benefit or at least not be further deprived? (Greenleaf 1977/2002 p.27)
In practical terms Greenleaf argues strongly for such Servant-Leaders to rise up and shake off the traditional trappings of leadership within archaic and dusty organizations and equally archaic leadership models, where the emphasis has been upon elevating managers to de facto leaders of these institutions and instead, elevating Trustee's and Board Chairpersons to reject passivity, reject the role of a rubber stamp and exert leadership that embraces values, takes risks and empowers people.
It is a clarion call to activist leadership that feels very much a derivitive of the 60's altruism, yet rejects the across the board discarding of all institutions as irretrievably corrupt and inherently in need of dismantling.
The influence of this concept and the leadership institutions that are adopting the model in their training and operations is remarkably going beyond its author who passed away in 1990.
This book should be a welcome addition to the leadership library of every student and participant in the leadership melieu. Whether you accept and adopt the premises contained, there is wisdom and insight for all who wish to read. Answers in some context are given, but more importantly, tools are provided with which to frame the question for those moving forward.
I highly recommend this book as an indispensible tool for understanding the leadership issues and needs of this generation.
Servant-Leadership is rapidly becoming a popularized term and a popular concept to bandy about in many circles.
This is the book that started that trend.
Published originally in 1977, it contains articles and concepts that found their germination in the turbulant decade of the 1960's. While you might imagine from the term "Servant-Leader" that the ideology of this book stems from religious conviction and it certainly does include that, you may be surprised to read in the first chapter of the book that it finds its inspiration in literature. Specifically, the Servant-Leader who captured Greenleaf's imagination and catalyzed the writing of this book was the fictional character Leo in Herman Hesse's "Journey to the East."
More surprises remain in store throughout this book that challenges concepts seemingly ingrained in human nature and counter-intuitively argues for several revolutionary premises, not simply on the basis of morality, but rather effectiveness and societal need.
In particular, Greenleaf argues that the advent of big business, large institutions, and corporate growth requires a paradigm shift in the view of leadership. Contrary to the anti-authoritarianism so ingrained in the 60's, Greenleaf argues that large organizations hold tremendous promise to accomplish correspondingly large results. What is needed are leaders who will embrace the organizations and see them almost as separate entities, living organisms as it were, love them, care for them and serve the population within and without through them.
The qualities that Greenleaf profers as indicative of such growth and service are:
1. Do those served grow as persons?
2. Do they, while being served become healthier wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?
3. What is the effect on the least privileged in society?
4. Will they benefit or at least not be further deprived? (Greenleaf 1977/2002 p.27)
In practical terms Greenleaf argues strongly for such Servant-Leaders to rise up and shake off the traditional trappings of leadership within archaic and dusty organizations and equally archaic leadership models, where the emphasis has been upon elevating managers to de facto leaders of these institutions and instead, elevating Trustee's and Board Chairpersons to reject passivity, reject the role of a rubber stamp and exert leadership that embraces values, takes risks and empowers people.
It is a clarion call to activist leadership that feels very much a derivitive of the 60's altruism, yet rejects the across the board discarding of all institutions as irretrievably corrupt and inherently in need of dismantling.
The influence of this concept and the leadership institutions that are adopting the model in their training and operations is remarkably going beyond its author who passed away in 1990.
This book should be a welcome addition to the leadership library of every student and participant in the leadership melieu. Whether you accept and adopt the premises contained, there is wisdom and insight for all who wish to read. Answers in some context are given, but more importantly, tools are provided with which to frame the question for those moving forward.
I highly recommend this book as an indispensible tool for understanding the leadership issues and needs of this generation.
March 5, 2017
This book is directed predominantly at trustees and very high level leaders. Greenleaf's writing is very dry without much practical application for individuals who work in lower levels of an institution.
July 11, 2009
Greenleaf sets forth the almost utopic vision of "servant leadership" as a sort of modified "people-first" mentality. The concepts themselves are great. The evidence that he provides is convincing. I also found it interesting that Greenleaf predicted some of the political situations in which we now find ourselves. Why is this interesting? He did it in the 1970s!
I do agree with many of Greenleaf's assertions about servant leadership. I do believe that one of a leader's responsibilities is to treat his/her people right and try to do what's good for both the organization and the people that comprise it. There is a line, though, that cannot be crossed, which Greenleaf recognizes and debates the element of servitude in that context.
I felt is was a major shortcoming that he limited his discussions to corporations, universities, and churches. I would like to have heard his thoughts on government, the small business, non-profit/charitable sectors, volunteer organizations, etc. Also, the book was hard to read. The writing style did not relate well to the content, which made the content seem distant or inaccessible. The actual hardcover binding of the book also made it hard to read.
I do agree with many of Greenleaf's assertions about servant leadership. I do believe that one of a leader's responsibilities is to treat his/her people right and try to do what's good for both the organization and the people that comprise it. There is a line, though, that cannot be crossed, which Greenleaf recognizes and debates the element of servitude in that context.
I felt is was a major shortcoming that he limited his discussions to corporations, universities, and churches. I would like to have heard his thoughts on government, the small business, non-profit/charitable sectors, volunteer organizations, etc. Also, the book was hard to read. The writing style did not relate well to the content, which made the content seem distant or inaccessible. The actual hardcover binding of the book also made it hard to read.
September 25, 2017
His theory of servant leadership is still very applicable today. Unfortunately, some of his examples of the application of this theory were dated and distracting. I would have enjoyed this read much more had Greenleaf focused on the message slightly more than the esoteric world of non-profit foundations, churches, and education of the '60s and '70s.
February 24, 2018
This book is intense and profound. I give it a three-star rating because while the teachings are extremely valuable, the content is not easily accessible. I will have to read the book one more time to fully absorb its messages.
December 18, 2017
Powers, J. B., & Moore, J. W. (2004). Voices of leadership series (booklet 11): Servant-leadership and the art of teaching. Westfield, IN: The Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership.
Inner characteristics or commitments: building community, commitment to growth of people, foresight, conceptualisation, awareness - p. 3
Outer characteristics or practices: listening, empathy, healing, persuasion - p. 14
A leader's power stems from five bases:
1. Coercive: ability to instill fear
2. Reward: ability to distribute value
3. Legitimate: positional authority
4. Expert: expertise, skill, knowledge
5. Referent: others' identification with him
- p. 20-21
Inner characteristics or commitments: building community, commitment to growth of people, foresight, conceptualisation, awareness - p. 3
Outer characteristics or practices: listening, empathy, healing, persuasion - p. 14
A leader's power stems from five bases:
1. Coercive: ability to instill fear
2. Reward: ability to distribute value
3. Legitimate: positional authority
4. Expert: expertise, skill, knowledge
5. Referent: others' identification with him
- p. 20-21
December 26, 2020
Robert Greenleaf introduced servant leadership to leadership studies. This book is the 25th anniversary of his landmark book. It is inspiring. It is fascinating. The problem is that it is also wrong. It is remarkable to see how phrases and arguments made in the 1970s have been revealed to be so wrong.
Fascinatingly, it is also important to log Greenleaf's anti-statism. Big institutions worry him. There is nostalgia here. Further, there is not much attention to 'public good.' Instead, 'morality' is its inelegant replacement.
Greenleaf argues for the important of decent people behaving well. Like motherhood and Santa Clause, this is hard to argue against. But if our institutions are based on decent individuals, then we will be waiting a long time - if ever - to create structural change.
Four stars for the inspiration. One star for its application through neoliberalism.
Fascinatingly, it is also important to log Greenleaf's anti-statism. Big institutions worry him. There is nostalgia here. Further, there is not much attention to 'public good.' Instead, 'morality' is its inelegant replacement.
Greenleaf argues for the important of decent people behaving well. Like motherhood and Santa Clause, this is hard to argue against. But if our institutions are based on decent individuals, then we will be waiting a long time - if ever - to create structural change.
Four stars for the inspiration. One star for its application through neoliberalism.
February 18, 2024
Woof. I got through this due to a God given grace of being able to read for multiple hours at a time. This was apparently the book that my program required a new teacher to keep on the syllabus??? I’ll have to ask someone to explain that to me for my personal enlightenment
Nearly 400 pages of material which truly could’ve simply been a hearty pamphlet or a short pocket book. TLDR: be a servant leader
Nearly 400 pages of material which truly could’ve simply been a hearty pamphlet or a short pocket book. TLDR: be a servant leader
February 7, 2021
While the writing style is a bit dry (think college textbook) the content is GOLD. How I wish modern leaders would look back to these concepts and hold fast to them. But I can start with me.
April 8, 2024
Good concept, poor delivery. Very high minded and long winded. Servant leadership is a great practice and I agree with Greenleaf, however operationally he is not much help.
February 10, 2018
First portion that explains servant leadership is rich with stories and distinctions to help bring the practice to life. Later parts are a decent historical reference to the conversations and debates of the time (written decades ago).
August 11, 2023
Download My Unfiltered Notes Here
Overview
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, interconnected global networks, and complex societal challenges, the need for effective leadership has never been more crucial. Traditional authoritarian models of leadership are gradually giving way to a more compassionate and empowering approach: servant leadership. Robert Greenleaf's book, Servant Leadership: A Journey Into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness, presents a compelling case for why this philosophy is relevant and essential for navigating the complexities of the 21st century.
Why Should You Read This Book?
The 21st century demands leaders who can navigate an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Servant leadership, with its emphasis on empathy, active listening, and valuing diverse perspectives, creates an environment conducive to collaboration. By genuinely understanding the needs and aspirations of their team members, servant leaders foster a culture of trust, enabling individuals to contribute their unique talents and viewpoints. In an ever-changing landscape, this collaborative approach empowers organizations to adapt swiftly, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve. As a human in the 21st century, you should spend some time with this book. If for nothing, you will learn an alternative approach to the current bureaucratic, hierarchical, and authoritarian society we have built
Final Thoughts…!
Servant leadership recognizes that individuals are not mere resources, but valuable human beings with their own aspirations and needs. In an era where burnout and mental health issues are prevalent, leaders must prioritize the well-being of their teams. By creating a supportive environment that values personal growth, mentorship, and work-life balance, servant leaders foster a culture that promotes individuals' holistic development and flourishing. In turn, this investment in people enhances employee satisfaction, retention, and overall organizational performance.
The 21st-century calls for leaders who can inspire and motivate beyond material gains. Servant leaders recognize the power of a shared purpose in driving individual and collective success. By articulating a compelling vision and aligning it with the organization's values and goals, servant leaders create a sense of meaning and significance that transcends individual roles. This shared purpose galvanizes teams, fosters commitment, and enhances employee engagement, leading to a positive impact on productivity and long-term organizational success.
In a rapidly changing world, leadership must adapt and evolve to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st century. Servant leadership, as espoused by Robert Greenleaf, offers a transformative framework that aligns with the demands of our time. By prioritizing collaboration, nurturing personal growth and well-being, inspiring purpose, and embracing ethical practices, servant leadership empowers individuals and organizations to thrive in an interconnected, diverse, and complex world. As we journey further into the 21st century, embracing the principles of servant leadership is not just an option; it is the right approach to navigate the challenges and unlock the full potential of individuals and organizations alike.
Easy to Read: (2/5) 40%
Deep Content: (4/5) 80%
Overall Rating: (3/5) 60%
Overview
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, interconnected global networks, and complex societal challenges, the need for effective leadership has never been more crucial. Traditional authoritarian models of leadership are gradually giving way to a more compassionate and empowering approach: servant leadership. Robert Greenleaf's book, Servant Leadership: A Journey Into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness, presents a compelling case for why this philosophy is relevant and essential for navigating the complexities of the 21st century.
Why Should You Read This Book?
The 21st century demands leaders who can navigate an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Servant leadership, with its emphasis on empathy, active listening, and valuing diverse perspectives, creates an environment conducive to collaboration. By genuinely understanding the needs and aspirations of their team members, servant leaders foster a culture of trust, enabling individuals to contribute their unique talents and viewpoints. In an ever-changing landscape, this collaborative approach empowers organizations to adapt swiftly, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve. As a human in the 21st century, you should spend some time with this book. If for nothing, you will learn an alternative approach to the current bureaucratic, hierarchical, and authoritarian society we have built
Final Thoughts…!
Servant leadership recognizes that individuals are not mere resources, but valuable human beings with their own aspirations and needs. In an era where burnout and mental health issues are prevalent, leaders must prioritize the well-being of their teams. By creating a supportive environment that values personal growth, mentorship, and work-life balance, servant leaders foster a culture that promotes individuals' holistic development and flourishing. In turn, this investment in people enhances employee satisfaction, retention, and overall organizational performance.
The 21st-century calls for leaders who can inspire and motivate beyond material gains. Servant leaders recognize the power of a shared purpose in driving individual and collective success. By articulating a compelling vision and aligning it with the organization's values and goals, servant leaders create a sense of meaning and significance that transcends individual roles. This shared purpose galvanizes teams, fosters commitment, and enhances employee engagement, leading to a positive impact on productivity and long-term organizational success.
In a rapidly changing world, leadership must adapt and evolve to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st century. Servant leadership, as espoused by Robert Greenleaf, offers a transformative framework that aligns with the demands of our time. By prioritizing collaboration, nurturing personal growth and well-being, inspiring purpose, and embracing ethical practices, servant leadership empowers individuals and organizations to thrive in an interconnected, diverse, and complex world. As we journey further into the 21st century, embracing the principles of servant leadership is not just an option; it is the right approach to navigate the challenges and unlock the full potential of individuals and organizations alike.
Easy to Read: (2/5) 40%
Deep Content: (4/5) 80%
Overall Rating: (3/5) 60%
October 29, 2024
I’ve wanted to read this book for some time after hearing about the idea of servant leadership. As the seminal book of this concept, why would I begin my exploration of leading as a follower anywhere else? And Robert K. Greenleaf did not disappoint.
Organized as a collection of personal writings and essays, this book discusses the concept that he introduced to the world across different areas of the world, finally ending with a deeply meditative analysis of a Robert Frost poem, which Greenleaf believes to embody the spirit of Servant Leadership.
This is the kind of book that a person could read over and over and still gain new insights and direction. I am both happy and sad to state with confidence that this book is still extremely relevant as a guide to shifting the way leadership happens in society. I am happy, of course, because it shows how much wisdom is packed in this book—and not just finger-on-the-current-pulse wisdom that is only relevant for a time but evergreen wisdom that will always (I believe) be relevant. But I am sad because, despite all of Greenleaf’s great insight into the Nature of Legitimate Power & Greatness (part of the book’s subtitle), the world, in general, has still not turned to embrace this style of leadership. Stodgy managers, in many parts and in many institutions, continue to use the carrot or the whip as they lead from atop.
The world needs a new model—even one that was new 47 years ago. Are you a person prone to serve? Are you a person able to lead? Then pick up this book and transform your surrounding environment so that we can transform our world into a place that honors the autonomy and agency of humanity.
Organized as a collection of personal writings and essays, this book discusses the concept that he introduced to the world across different areas of the world, finally ending with a deeply meditative analysis of a Robert Frost poem, which Greenleaf believes to embody the spirit of Servant Leadership.
This is the kind of book that a person could read over and over and still gain new insights and direction. I am both happy and sad to state with confidence that this book is still extremely relevant as a guide to shifting the way leadership happens in society. I am happy, of course, because it shows how much wisdom is packed in this book—and not just finger-on-the-current-pulse wisdom that is only relevant for a time but evergreen wisdom that will always (I believe) be relevant. But I am sad because, despite all of Greenleaf’s great insight into the Nature of Legitimate Power & Greatness (part of the book’s subtitle), the world, in general, has still not turned to embrace this style of leadership. Stodgy managers, in many parts and in many institutions, continue to use the carrot or the whip as they lead from atop.
The world needs a new model—even one that was new 47 years ago. Are you a person prone to serve? Are you a person able to lead? Then pick up this book and transform your surrounding environment so that we can transform our world into a place that honors the autonomy and agency of humanity.
April 29, 2023
A manifesto to tackle leadership through trustee methods of peers that combined want to grow the employees while also keeping the business in the black. This book was written in 1977 and remains critical today, when expertise and ambiguity has only increased. A valued framework of understanding to add to a deep shelf of concepts and ideologies to tackle value delivery.
The topics cover the issues of complexity, a failure of the hierarchy, struggles of institutions to transform to the new organization of organizations, and posits a method countering the money incentive and give meaning to the community of employees. I had herd the term many times. I once used it as a moniker for a big boss who took the time to make my sandwich before an adventure.
Going back to the original treatise was a pleasure.
The topics cover the issues of complexity, a failure of the hierarchy, struggles of institutions to transform to the new organization of organizations, and posits a method countering the money incentive and give meaning to the community of employees. I had herd the term many times. I once used it as a moniker for a big boss who took the time to make my sandwich before an adventure.
Going back to the original treatise was a pleasure.
June 2, 2019
This is a great book on leadership development. Robert Greenleaf breaks down servant leadership in several different models from institution to business. This book discusses issues that will help develop servanthood and leadership in the reader if applied. There is no step-by-step manual, so the reader has to pull out the tools and work to apply them in their development. Everyone is different, with assorted backgrounds and education so one may need something that another does not and vice-versa. Over all, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone who seeks to better themselves regardless of their destination.
February 13, 2019
Insightful and thought provoking. This book pulls so much reality into a the professional world that it makes me think that we have been approaching leadership the wrong way for so long.
I love the stories of his experiences with the great influences in his life. I look forward to adjusting my approach to leadership in a way that would parallel the values stated within these pages.
I love the stories of his experiences with the great influences in his life. I look forward to adjusting my approach to leadership in a way that would parallel the values stated within these pages.
February 26, 2017
First few chapters are helpful and worth taking time to interact with. The rest of the book is very disjointed and hard to follow.
October 22, 2017
Hard to follow
July 29, 2020
In his introduction, the author speaks of the emergence of the concept of servant leader “after a deep involvement with colleges and universities during the period of campus turmoil in the late 1960s and early 1970s” (Greenleaf, p. 17). Much of the content of the book is a compilation of essays and speeches delivered to diverse audiences and groups. Building on the metaphor of the servant Leo who is later recognized as the leader of the group in Hermann Hesse’s Journey to the East, Greenfield passionately makes the case that any great leader is first seen as a servant.
The book addresses the importance of this fact by enumerating a number of the key characteristics of the servant leader, including listening, imagination, persuasion (often of one person at a time), and conceptualizing. Emphasis is placed on the power of community, and Greenfield invests significant time in focusing on the critical function of the trustee in the organization. By virtue of the very name, such individuals are entrusted to stand outside of the organization but are “intimately concerned” with the organization and, as such, are “the last court of resort” when issues cannot be resolved within the group (54).
Greenfield continues his treatise on the power of servanthood by discussing its practice in a number of settings, including business, education, foundations, and churches. A strong emphasis is the design of an organization that seeks to correct the shortcomings of a single leader who holds total authority in the organization. The author provides a graphic to demonstrate the distinction between an organization run by a chief leader and one where the leader is primus inter pares, “first among equals” (74). Such a group can develop a sense of servanthood in the interaction between the key members, promoting vulnerability among the members and the recognition of the resources present when power is shared. Greenfield does an excellent job of noting the many challenges and shortcomings experienced by the organization that relies on a single, powerful leader, losing the insights and perspectives of others.
A strength of this book is the author’s penchant for asking questions of the reader throughout the work. At times the questions he raises seem to have more power and insight than the answers posed by Greenleaf. However, this does not take away the impact of these queries. His commitment to the power of the leader as a servant is present in the phrase “the nature of legitimate power and greatness” in the subtitle of the book. The essays he provides to make his persuasive points read like speeches to his selected audiences. Regarding his thoughts on servant leaders and the church, he admits to a less than theological approach to the subject, limiting the impact of his application of servant leadership in the church to the evangelical Christian.
The author takes the time to identify two servant leaders near the end of the book, providing a brief biography of both as well as well as citing their impact as servant leaders. One, Donald Cowling, was a conservative and the president of his college. The other, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Herschel, was a liberal activist. Greenleaf developed relationships with both of these unique individuals, adding to his insights on their leadership styles. Some time is also invested in addressing bureaucracy as well as America in relation to servant leadership.
Referencing a variety of thinkers and authors in the book, Greenleaf closes his work with a careful interpretation of Robert Frost’s poem Directive as he describes his personal journey in servanthood. Servant Leadership is a worthwhile resource to understand the power of servanthood.
The book addresses the importance of this fact by enumerating a number of the key characteristics of the servant leader, including listening, imagination, persuasion (often of one person at a time), and conceptualizing. Emphasis is placed on the power of community, and Greenfield invests significant time in focusing on the critical function of the trustee in the organization. By virtue of the very name, such individuals are entrusted to stand outside of the organization but are “intimately concerned” with the organization and, as such, are “the last court of resort” when issues cannot be resolved within the group (54).
Greenfield continues his treatise on the power of servanthood by discussing its practice in a number of settings, including business, education, foundations, and churches. A strong emphasis is the design of an organization that seeks to correct the shortcomings of a single leader who holds total authority in the organization. The author provides a graphic to demonstrate the distinction between an organization run by a chief leader and one where the leader is primus inter pares, “first among equals” (74). Such a group can develop a sense of servanthood in the interaction between the key members, promoting vulnerability among the members and the recognition of the resources present when power is shared. Greenfield does an excellent job of noting the many challenges and shortcomings experienced by the organization that relies on a single, powerful leader, losing the insights and perspectives of others.
A strength of this book is the author’s penchant for asking questions of the reader throughout the work. At times the questions he raises seem to have more power and insight than the answers posed by Greenleaf. However, this does not take away the impact of these queries. His commitment to the power of the leader as a servant is present in the phrase “the nature of legitimate power and greatness” in the subtitle of the book. The essays he provides to make his persuasive points read like speeches to his selected audiences. Regarding his thoughts on servant leaders and the church, he admits to a less than theological approach to the subject, limiting the impact of his application of servant leadership in the church to the evangelical Christian.
The author takes the time to identify two servant leaders near the end of the book, providing a brief biography of both as well as well as citing their impact as servant leaders. One, Donald Cowling, was a conservative and the president of his college. The other, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Herschel, was a liberal activist. Greenleaf developed relationships with both of these unique individuals, adding to his insights on their leadership styles. Some time is also invested in addressing bureaucracy as well as America in relation to servant leadership.
Referencing a variety of thinkers and authors in the book, Greenleaf closes his work with a careful interpretation of Robert Frost’s poem Directive as he describes his personal journey in servanthood. Servant Leadership is a worthwhile resource to understand the power of servanthood.
March 27, 2020
This is one of those classic books on leadership that should be read by anyone who is gearing for a leadership role. Although the first edition dates from 1977, the concepts and principles are still valid, now more than ever. The foreword is by guru Stephen Covey and the Afterword by guru Peter Senge.
Chapter 1-The Servant As Leader: We need to empower people and to have a culture of trust, morals, conscience; leaders need moral authority. Sadly, I don't see much of this today but let's move on. Leaders need to 'serve first.' "Behind every great achievement is a dreamer of great dreams." Great quote. Leaders need to listen first, accept and empathize, know the unworkable and foresee the unforeseeable, they need to be creative, have foresight, awareness and perception, persuasion. There are good examples of John Woolman (Quaker) and Thomas Jefferson.
Chapter 2 discusses the institution as servant. Even 1 large institution will improve the rest of society. Members of governing boards, ie Trustees, are in a position to make a difference. They need to care for everyone the institution touches. They should take a more active role in top administrative spots. Teams are better than the sole CEO. Universities and churches need major overhauls.
Chapter 3 expands on Trustees as servants. They should not be rubber stamps, which most boards are these days. Trustees need to lead, not administer. Trust needs to be built but it's tough in today's climate.
Next we move onto servant leadership in business. Examples cited are GM and Alfred Sloan, Sears and Julius Rosenwald, and ATT and Ted Vail. Meaningful work for employees is essential. Great products for the customers. Leaders need to be managers of the process.
Servant leadership in education has failed, it's not taught and needs to be so young people can find their purpose to serve and lead. There's a chapter on churches which echoes the sentiments above. Much work is still needed there.
The chapter on the author's two mentors was the best. Donald Cowling-a conservative president of Carleton College where the author went and liberal activist Rabbi Abraham Heschel of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Both were devoted to making things better and deeply influenced the author.
Servant leadership in a bureaucratic society is very tricky and leaders somehow need to seek virtue and justice, have good motives, and hope.
Peter Senge's afterword urges long term commitment to train and inspire servant leaders. True commitment actually creates choice for others (David Packard). Leaders need to be vulnerable, have humility and commit to telling the truth.
Chapter 1-The Servant As Leader: We need to empower people and to have a culture of trust, morals, conscience; leaders need moral authority. Sadly, I don't see much of this today but let's move on. Leaders need to 'serve first.' "Behind every great achievement is a dreamer of great dreams." Great quote. Leaders need to listen first, accept and empathize, know the unworkable and foresee the unforeseeable, they need to be creative, have foresight, awareness and perception, persuasion. There are good examples of John Woolman (Quaker) and Thomas Jefferson.
Chapter 2 discusses the institution as servant. Even 1 large institution will improve the rest of society. Members of governing boards, ie Trustees, are in a position to make a difference. They need to care for everyone the institution touches. They should take a more active role in top administrative spots. Teams are better than the sole CEO. Universities and churches need major overhauls.
Chapter 3 expands on Trustees as servants. They should not be rubber stamps, which most boards are these days. Trustees need to lead, not administer. Trust needs to be built but it's tough in today's climate.
Next we move onto servant leadership in business. Examples cited are GM and Alfred Sloan, Sears and Julius Rosenwald, and ATT and Ted Vail. Meaningful work for employees is essential. Great products for the customers. Leaders need to be managers of the process.
Servant leadership in education has failed, it's not taught and needs to be so young people can find their purpose to serve and lead. There's a chapter on churches which echoes the sentiments above. Much work is still needed there.
The chapter on the author's two mentors was the best. Donald Cowling-a conservative president of Carleton College where the author went and liberal activist Rabbi Abraham Heschel of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Both were devoted to making things better and deeply influenced the author.
Servant leadership in a bureaucratic society is very tricky and leaders somehow need to seek virtue and justice, have good motives, and hope.
Peter Senge's afterword urges long term commitment to train and inspire servant leaders. True commitment actually creates choice for others (David Packard). Leaders need to be vulnerable, have humility and commit to telling the truth.
November 15, 2025
When observing the world, many see that true leadership does not reflect positions of power; rather, it reflects a quality of personal character. Robert Greenleaf looked at 1970s America and the 1970s world and observed a lack of leadership. We had educated talent out the wazoo, but lacked people able to usher in lasting, good change. He wrote this book to cultivate such leadership qualities in its readers. Leadership, to him, was of a servant's quality; it was not driven by acquiring power but instead by being a true "trustee."
Some of the material is not relevant today because it was so rooted in history. Particularly, his assessment of the universities reflected the historical student uprisings of the 1960s. Thankfully, many of the problems have been addressed. Likewise, churches now face a new cadre of problems, not moored to the problems of the 1970s. I suspect the same is true for foundations, another topic of his interest.
However, there is a lasting quality to his philosophy. We are in need of people to serve lasting organizations instead of just hopping on the next new thing. Those people do not necessarily need fancy titles to enact "legitimate power and greatness." The names writing the forward and afterward agree: famous business authors Stephen Covey and Peter Senge. Society needs to continue to read this book because we need better servant leaders.
This book is well-suited for undergraduate and graduate school students seeking to make more of an impact on their world. Young professionals might also give it a good read. Even older people involved in mentoring young adults can benefit from the words in its philosophy. This book is one of those lasting works that deserves to be read for a long time. To be effective, we all need to learn to be better servant leaders.
Some of the material is not relevant today because it was so rooted in history. Particularly, his assessment of the universities reflected the historical student uprisings of the 1960s. Thankfully, many of the problems have been addressed. Likewise, churches now face a new cadre of problems, not moored to the problems of the 1970s. I suspect the same is true for foundations, another topic of his interest.
However, there is a lasting quality to his philosophy. We are in need of people to serve lasting organizations instead of just hopping on the next new thing. Those people do not necessarily need fancy titles to enact "legitimate power and greatness." The names writing the forward and afterward agree: famous business authors Stephen Covey and Peter Senge. Society needs to continue to read this book because we need better servant leaders.
This book is well-suited for undergraduate and graduate school students seeking to make more of an impact on their world. Young professionals might also give it a good read. Even older people involved in mentoring young adults can benefit from the words in its philosophy. This book is one of those lasting works that deserves to be read for a long time. To be effective, we all need to learn to be better servant leaders.
September 20, 2022
3.5/5 stars
In addition to working full time, I’m a part time student seeking a Masters degree in Organizational Psychology. On top of my reading for fun is reading for purpose.
As I approach the final stretch of classes, I’m preparing for a thesis topic on servant leadership. To prepare, I read the seminal work on the subject by Robert Greenleaf.
I have high regard for servant leadership and its aspiration of making organizations better both for the sake of the organization and the communities it serves. And Robert Greenleaf didn’t just talk the talk. He very clearly and passionately walked the walk. His writings on the subject, built from a lifetime of practice, are inspirational although a tad repetitive.
My one bone to pick is that while Greenleaf expounds on the merits of servant leadership, he offers little on how to become a servant. At times it felt implied that one either is a servant or is not, and little can be done to turn a nonservant into a servant. So there is this uncertainty that hangs in the air around whether the reader can apply anything based on the implication that servant leadership is a binary state. I worried throughout that I couldn’t put to use all the excellent points made. That perhaps I lack commitment, humility and vision.
Despite this doubt, I found the book a worthwhile read. It imparted a hope for what organizations could be if more leaders adopted a servant mentality.
In addition to working full time, I’m a part time student seeking a Masters degree in Organizational Psychology. On top of my reading for fun is reading for purpose.
As I approach the final stretch of classes, I’m preparing for a thesis topic on servant leadership. To prepare, I read the seminal work on the subject by Robert Greenleaf.
I have high regard for servant leadership and its aspiration of making organizations better both for the sake of the organization and the communities it serves. And Robert Greenleaf didn’t just talk the talk. He very clearly and passionately walked the walk. His writings on the subject, built from a lifetime of practice, are inspirational although a tad repetitive.
My one bone to pick is that while Greenleaf expounds on the merits of servant leadership, he offers little on how to become a servant. At times it felt implied that one either is a servant or is not, and little can be done to turn a nonservant into a servant. So there is this uncertainty that hangs in the air around whether the reader can apply anything based on the implication that servant leadership is a binary state. I worried throughout that I couldn’t put to use all the excellent points made. That perhaps I lack commitment, humility and vision.
Despite this doubt, I found the book a worthwhile read. It imparted a hope for what organizations could be if more leaders adopted a servant mentality.
July 8, 2021
The concept of servant leadership is coming of age about 45 years after Greenleaf first published his thinking on the topic. Greenleaf's recommended governance structure is not practical even now with the technological advancement that has occurred. However, the essence of servant leadership is very much for today. The answer as to how you become a servant organization is not addressed in this book, perhaps because the journey is complex and not reducible to a formulaic approach. Similarly, the process for developing servant leaders is not explored, just the need for them to exist.
Overall, I find the book inspirational as I can see the vision that Greenleaf had and I am able to see elements of servant leadership incorporated into many different leadership philosophies prevalent today including humble leadership, empowering leadership, positive leadership, transformational leadership, ethical leadership, courage leadership, daring leadership, authentic leadership, and spiritual leadership. The presence of so many different views on leadership speaks to the persistence of our societal challenges and workforce engagement issues.
If you want to understand how servant leadership came about, this book if for you. If you want to move toward servant leadership personally or organizationally, you will not find what you need here.
Overall, I find the book inspirational as I can see the vision that Greenleaf had and I am able to see elements of servant leadership incorporated into many different leadership philosophies prevalent today including humble leadership, empowering leadership, positive leadership, transformational leadership, ethical leadership, courage leadership, daring leadership, authentic leadership, and spiritual leadership. The presence of so many different views on leadership speaks to the persistence of our societal challenges and workforce engagement issues.
If you want to understand how servant leadership came about, this book if for you. If you want to move toward servant leadership personally or organizationally, you will not find what you need here.
November 1, 2020
Originally written in the 1970s (I read the 25th anniversary edition), this is a collection of thoughts on servant leadership by Robert Greenleaf, with some repeats. What I think is most important to note is how poignant his concerns are 50 years later. How still very fresh and familiar his recommendations are, in making the world a better place through improved trusteeship of the large institutions that now run our daily life. He is prescient in his assumptions about the future of institutions and how the reporting structure leads to a certain end. And isn’t it important to note that we are still in a “leadership crisis” today.
I have always wondered exactly what a “board of trustees” was supposed to accomplish, especially in instances where all authority seems to rest in the c-suite leadership. Greenleaf really dives into what he expects a trustee to think, question, inspire and accomplish.
In particularly referencing the inadequacies of a liberal arts education, but how utterly accurate for most of my adulthood- our education curriculum is not dealing with the ambiguities of the world. The seemingly logical world that in fact is a miasma of unreasonableness... and how man has not yet made sense of this complex structure (the world and the institution).
I have always wondered exactly what a “board of trustees” was supposed to accomplish, especially in instances where all authority seems to rest in the c-suite leadership. Greenleaf really dives into what he expects a trustee to think, question, inspire and accomplish.
In particularly referencing the inadequacies of a liberal arts education, but how utterly accurate for most of my adulthood- our education curriculum is not dealing with the ambiguities of the world. The seemingly logical world that in fact is a miasma of unreasonableness... and how man has not yet made sense of this complex structure (the world and the institution).
August 17, 2021
This is an important work in understanding the history of servant leadership in organizations and the business world. Greenleaf is considered the father of the modern servant leadership philosophy. His article, The Servant as Leader, has many important helps including: leaders pointing the direction, dreaming great dreams, listening well, showing acceptance and empathy. These, and others, are important aspects of servant leadership. But much is also lacking in Greenleaf's foundation throughout the book. He often travels down a philosophical path, rather than giving specific direction to develop as a servant leader. I was surprised that I found nothing positive about Jesus as the servant leader. He speaks highly of Buddha, Confucius, and Herman Hesse's work, Journey to the East, but little is referred to that is in the Scriptures and he blames Moses for accepting Jethro's bad advice in Exodus 18. I rate this a three because of its importance in the history of organizational leadership, but there are many other books I would recommend before this one to help one become a better servant leader. Start by following Jesus and the writings of the New Testament.
September 8, 2020
Finally, finally finished up this book. I've been reading this book--bit by bit--for a long, long time. It was a slog. I'm giving it 2-1/2 stars in my Reading Log. It had some good points & insights, but overall it was slow, tedious, & boring. Maybe better read in excerpts.
Meat of the matter: "The servant leader is servant first...It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions. For such it will be a later choice to serve--after leadership is established. The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types."
I'm glad I read the book overall, since it is a classic. It also had some great biblical injections on the nature of servant leadership and leading & serving with a higher vision than is often common in business or education circles.
Meat of the matter: "The servant leader is servant first...It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions. For such it will be a later choice to serve--after leadership is established. The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types."
I'm glad I read the book overall, since it is a classic. It also had some great biblical injections on the nature of servant leadership and leading & serving with a higher vision than is often common in business or education circles.
May 5, 2018
Giving it 4 based on the concepts behind the book, as in many ways, this concept of Servant Leadership articulated a conceptual and real structure to how I have always approached leading teams, and from that perspective, was validating. The writing however, is old fashioned, painfully formal and disjointed- most of the book is a compilation of various talks, quotes, articles or memos the author has written over time to support his thesis- which becomes tedious. Like most business books, I find, the first 20% delivered 97% of the value- and that would have been enough.
February 16, 2020
This book changed a lot of my assumptions about power and leadership.
This quote is pretty illustrative:
"Leadership is the capacity of a human community to shape its future."
and this one, toward the end,
"[Servand leadership] seeks to create organizations in which individual stakeholders become healthier, wiser, freer, and more autonomous, and, in so doing, build a better, more humane society that welcomes the full diversity of the human family."
This quote is pretty illustrative:
"Leadership is the capacity of a human community to shape its future."
and this one, toward the end,
"[Servand leadership] seeks to create organizations in which individual stakeholders become healthier, wiser, freer, and more autonomous, and, in so doing, build a better, more humane society that welcomes the full diversity of the human family."
June 11, 2022
interesting perspectives and approaches
As someone who is fundamentally sceptical about leadership theories and texts and ‘how to’ type books, I found this book - although ageing, filled with useful insights and reflections about the importance and role of humility within leadership. It varies in terms of how useful I found the essays but it was good to have a collection. Would recommend
As someone who is fundamentally sceptical about leadership theories and texts and ‘how to’ type books, I found this book - although ageing, filled with useful insights and reflections about the importance and role of humility within leadership. It varies in terms of how useful I found the essays but it was good to have a collection. Would recommend
June 11, 2023
No doubt, Greenleaf was an intelligent man, with impressive credentials supporting his career in systems organization. In spite of this, I would not say his writing style was particularly organized since he seemed to drift off topic and become overly wordy, at times. I read an older edition, so newer ones may have edits and additions that remedy this. Even so, I did get some good nuggets out of it!
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