What is Servant Leadership? Project Leadership at its Best

Servant leader. That sounds pretty much like a contradiction in terms, but it is a profoundly important idea. Indeed, I’d argue that servant leadership the single most valuable approach to leadership. And it’s an approach that no leader can afford to ignore.

So, in this video, I’ll answer the question: 'What is Servant Leadership?'

I'll also talk about how Robert Greenleaf developed the idea, and a little about the way Max De Pree interprets it.

I'll put servant leadership into the context of how a team evolves, and the style of leadership they need at each stage.

And crucially, I will talk about the two roles of a servant leader:
- Rations, and
- Raincoat

I will close by discussing what I consider to be the ten most important qualities of a servant leader.

Other Videos about Leadership that you might like:

The Three Types of Leadership Model

What is Situational Leadership?

What is Transformational Leadership?

What is the Tuckman Model of Group Development?

The Books referenced in this video are:

[Onlinepmcourses]

If I had the choice, Servant Leadership would my default style for myself, for Project Leaders, and for anyone seeking to lead by consent. I'm not so naive as to think it is always the right approach. But it is often the best. So do take a few minutes to learn more about it.

[qasimazhar]

Great summary. Thanks. Hi from Canada 🇨🇦.

[parveenverma]

Servent leadership- so well explained! I am bound to watch all your videos sir.

[utubeAgape]

So glad you’re sharing the character traits one must cultivate in order to work at the highest level👍

[panglilla]

I really enjoy to watch and learn of your post. So great English learning as well!!! Thank you so much!

[kishork]

Amazing.. never knew the real meaning of SL till now... Awesome.

[ihabyousif]

It was very insightful and heart warming mini video to watch!. Much appreciated for your contribution in order to enrich the PMP content on YouTube.

[robertrackers]

One of your best yet. I’ve always had this philosophy yet had no idea there was a name for it. I’ve explained it to many managers and have met worse than simple “deer in the headlights” looks or even resistance, but becoming a target of retribution for even thinking along those lines, much less speaking them aloud. Too many managers act closer to being prison wardens than examples of good leadership. Ironically, or by design, public servants in government employ are the worst from my experience. Trust is the most important and under-valued asset and the foundation for all the other traits. When a manager violates the trust, everything falls apart, and they, in their weakness, resort to other means, usually pulling out the carrot and the stick. It’s such a simple concept that originates from the heart, and unfortunately, there are many heartless managers who should not be so blessed as to their positions any more than to trust a child with a loaded weapon, for they are little more that, children with a book of matches who can wreak much damage. You and this video are very much appreciated and please accept my best regards. You are a valuable asset to me and to my life.

[LuisFlores-ghbu]

It's a great video that shows in detail what it's like to be a sevant leader

[MrPat]

Excellent explanation of the role of a servant leader, worth watching over again. Nice job Mike.

[drewyoda]

Sounds like the style Jesus used in the bible