Q.1
Leadership is one of the crucial components in society. It is worth noting that there are various types of leadership that vary based on characteristics. Servant leadership is one of the types of leadership. A servant leader is a balance and blend between servant and leader. This is because an individual does not lose leadership potentials by becoming a servant leader. Being a servant leader means that one becomes a servant first. Servant leader begins with tremendous natural feelings that an individual wants to serve as a leader. A servant leader has the desire to serve people in different dimensions. Also, servant leader refers to an individual who seeks opinions and values contributions of all people. A servant leader is an individual who set practices that create a caring and just world, builds a better organization, as well as enriching the lives of people. A servant leader is a philosophy that enhances interaction of an individual with management, fellow employees and other people with an intention of achieving authority. Servant leader moves personnel and management interaction toward a synergistic relationship. Notably, there are several features that servant leaders possess, which makes it a philosophy of caring leaders. These qualities include empathy, awareness, listening, foresight, conceptualization, commitment, persuasion, and commitment to the development of people. The meaning of servant leader is derived from the leadership qualities they demonstrate when interacting with others.
The Leadership Challenge is one of the critical sources that is streamlined towards better leadership. The meaning of servant leader matches the leadership philosophy presented by James Kouzes and Barry Posner in the book The Leadership Challenge. One of the relationships is the aspect of mobilization and energize. According to Kouzes and Posner, leaders are individuals who get other people moving and motivated (The Leadership Challenge 45). Based on the analysis of how a leader behaves, it is evident that their view matches the meaning of a servant leader. A leader enables other to act in an organization. This is a leadership quality that is possessed by a servant leader. Leaders build spirited teams and enhance collaboration among others. The main focus is how servant leaders involve other people actively in the decision-making process. Leaders endeavor to create an environment that is driven by human dignity, trust, and commitment. Servant leader acknowledges the contributions made by other and keeps hope alive. This matches the leadership philosophy described by Posner and Kouzes. Also, the aspect of strengthening others is a feature that is similar to the philosophy of leadership by Kouzes and Poser (Leadership Challenge Workbook. 54). In a critical analysis, the servant leader is an individual who enhances the balance between servant and leader. They create more caring and trustworthy institutions.
Q.2
In a personal perspective, I have learned several leadership principles and practices in the course. This practices has created a platform and impacted my leadership qualities at home, church, community, and workplace. One of the crucial principle that I have learned is the aspect of serving people first. The element of leaderships begins by serving those who are around us. Also, the aspect of mobilization is a crucial component that has impacted my leadership qualities in the community. As a leader, mobilizing others to achieve the best for the community is a principle that I have learned. Leadership entails the practices that leader uses to transform the vision into realities, risks into rewards and obstacles into innovation. Another critical principle that I have learned that has influenced my leadership is the aspect of behavior in leadership. Leaders in society are expected to bring change and make decisions. Through decision-making process, leaders should empower other to explore their potentials and discover the best in themselves. In fact, the nest way to lead and influence others is by setting examples. The course has taught me to lead by example and practice what I teach in the community. The principle of commitment and confidence are essential values of leadership. This is a principle that is achieved by encouraging the heart by celebrating victories and values, as well as recognizing contributions of individual in society. Communication is a critical component in leadership. I have learned to keep people informed about various issues that affect them. In fact, I comprehend how to communicate with seniors, my parents, my siblings, and key people within the community.
There are features that I have taken away from the course that will make me a better leader. I have developed a sense of responsibility, accountability as well as ownership of my people. This is because leaders are expected to take responsibility and be accountable for their activities. I believe that this trait will enable me to undertake my professional responsibilities in the best way. Also, I have embraced the aspect of being a role model and leading the way. A leader is expected to show other that things can be done. Standing up for what you believe are principles that make good leadership. Team unity and strength is an imperative resource for a leader. The course has enhanced my ability to value teams and be ready to devote my energy in unifying all stakeholders. Based on what I have learned in the course I believe I am a servant leader in the community, workplace, and at home.
Works cited
Kouzes, James M, and Barry Z. Posner. The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2012. Internet resource.
Kouzes, James M, and Barry Z. Posner. Leadership Challenge Workbook, 3rd Ed. London: Jossey-Bass, 2012. Print.
