A Servant Leader’s Heart and Habits by Ken Blanchard
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Servant leadership has four aspects: the heart, the head, the hands, and the habits.
I started out as mainly a head and hands guy—leadership theory and leader behavior. When I became a student of servant leadership after meeting Robert K. Greenleaf in the mid-1960s, I started to look at the heart and the habits.
The heart is about intentions and character—who you are at your core.
Servant leaders have a unique energy that says “I’m here to serve, not to be served. It’s who I am.”
When push comes to shove, if you’re not here to serve, it’s hard to do what you think is right. Why? Because your ego gets in the way. But if you’re here to serve, it’s who you are every day.
The habits are about recalibrating, on a daily basis, who you want to be—because life’s pressures can get you off track.
Find a way to enter your day slowly.
Some people exercise; others read or meditate. I read my favorite inspirational quotes every morning. It gives me a positive, happy perspective on who I want to be today.
At the end of the day, write a few lines in a journal or notebook. First, write something you did that’s consistent with who you want to be, and pat yourself on the back. Then write something you did that you’d love to have another shot at. Adding these habits to your day enhances your self-awareness.
We can’t behave on our good intentions if we don’t give ourselves time and space to recalibrate who we want to be.
Most servant leaders I know have a kind of quiet joy. It’s because they’re doing good things and also constantly examining themselves.
Servant leadership is beneficial to both followers and leaders. It’s a win-win!
What makes a leader a servant leader?
What habits best reflect servant leadership?
BIO
Legendary business author and lifelong servant leader Ken Blanchard, along with his longtime editor Renee Broadwell, edited Servant Leadership in Action: How You Can Achieve Great Relationships and Results, the most comprehensive and wide-ranging guide ever published on servant leadership. The book features 44 renowned servant leadership experts and practitioners, offering advice and tools for implementing this proven, but for some still radical, leadership model.
Love anything from Ken Blanchard. Also appreciate your daily wisdom
Servant leadership is a way of life, a state of mind, a disposition one carries in whatever one does in life. It’s how we interact with ourselves and others. We’ve all heard the famous quote, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” It is crucial that leaders know and understand the message and meaning behind this quote and can foster an abundance and growth mindset. This type of caring is an investment only someone who carries a quiet joy can make in oneself and others.
Couldn’t agree more – just wish I could get our executive management on board!
Thanks for the reminder this Wednesday morning. I regularly find myself in an internal struggle over service leadership and ego……I appreciate the tools that help me fight the good fight! 🙂
Dear Christine, {& “Whomever”)
Perhaps envisioning different job descriptions for various categories of workers can help us stay on track.
Some worker categories are:
1. Duties of the Board of Directors
2. C Level Jobs
3. Managers
4. Technical & Professional
5. Everyone Else, including customers
1. The Board sets the organization mission. Who will be their customers and how they will help their potential, as well as current customers.
2. C jobs people set the broader policies, procedures, and designate available resources for their area[s] of responsibility. Each has the responsibility, among other duties, to ensure overlapping organizational functions play together nicely; and that the resources of money, equipment, personnel, ‘whatever’ is available to those who do the labor. They support their assigned personnel in acquiring resource requirements for task accomplishment in a cooperative work climate. Make broad decisions about how their organizational area[s] will help their potential, as well as current customers.
3. Management people set the policies & procedures for their specific area[s] of responsibility in accordance with both the organization mission and specifics of their area[s]; and bring to bear, in timely manners, those resources required to get the tasks accomplished with excellence; and also in a cooperative work environment. In particulars, how they will help their potential, as well as current customers is a manager’s decision.
4. Technical & Professional people do the actual work required; they accomplish the tasks. From custodial services to customer interface, they are the faces of the organization; the doers. they are the end-users of the resources and are also some of the resources required to accomplish the organization’s mission, as set by the Board and as articulated within their area[s] of responsibility. How, and what is done, as they will help their potential, as well as current customers is their action.
5. If anyone else works for the organization, they are tasked to fulfill the mission[s] within their area[s] of expertise and responsibility. The customer wants & needs which the organization is to meet is their action.
I observe & believe this organizational model requires a servant leadership as well as servant management, servant workers, servant attitudes in manufacturing, various services such as education, medicine, government, consulting & whatever.
I also believe anyone adopting this organizational model has to not only recognize they are a servant to their subordinates and tasks, but gains great satisfaction in producing the best possible end products [services] in the best possible work environment.
Best regards,
Craig
Serving Leadership is taught and followed in my organization and has really helped me in my budding management career. I look forward to reading this book.
This is very intriguing. I am just now after a year, understanding the intricacies of my current team, and how they are more heart and habits to my head and hands. Good article, and a worthwhile subject.
One of the most misguided notions is position that leadership as a servant is somehow weak or failing to be that leader which others can follow. Leaders who accomplish much are leaders who know how to listen, how to make informed decisive decisions and how to give credit as well as build credit to the whole.
Servant Leadership is being able to eliminate the distractions, rise above, and live ‘on purpose’ to make the world a better place.
Just joined Leadership Freak 2 weeks ago and now I’m wondering where it has been all of my life. Just great perspectives and ways to deal with unique situations. Thank you for a breath of fresh air as I start my journey.
Love the notion of daily self-reflection – both on the positive and an area for growth. Self-awareness is SO critical for leadership development.
Interested in learning more about how to lean into your day in order to reset the stress-meter. Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
Servant Leadership has allowed me to make decisions that have empowered those around me to take initiative.
I love the Servant Leadership approach. Thank you for sharing. Love your blog and words of wisdom.
Leadership is not defined by a title or position in which you hold. Servant leadership is about being the facilitator who provides the guidance, modeling, support for others to develop into the best they can be. A mindset of servant leadership is taking the time to reflect, connect, build trust and promote positive relationships for strong foundations to build on. It is a calling of the heart to have a true passion for what you do and to gain joy in the success of others. Together a difference can be made.
Love this stuff. Especially important to ease yourself into your day.
Great post and sounds like a great book.
Love the blog. Really like the Servant Leadership. Try to do it myself and in fact let a member of my team borrow my signed copy of “Lead like Jesus” just yesterday. Hear Ken speak on in in 2006.
keep up the good work
Another great post and an encouragement to get back to setting some time aside to journal. Thank you!
This sounds like a great read!
A favorite
“..the real test of a servants heart is if I act like one, when I’m treated like one.” ~Joe Stowell
Servant leaders take a page from Ghandi: “There go my people. I must follow them.”
I think servant leaders are not people who think less of themselves, they simply think of themselves less. They are consistently showing up asking, “How can I serve others today?” I heard Dave Ramsey once talk about how from a leadership position, sometimes that means having a difficult conversation with a team member.
At the end of the day it comes down to helping those around you succeed.
Thank you for the post, Ken and Dan!
Super Post again – Ken (raving fans) hits the nail on the head every time. Remember servant doesn’t mean subservient – your team are your customers and consumers as well.
Habits. Changing one’s habits to become a servant leader is at the heart of the heart. Getting to those habits that create the mindset of a servant leader has to be key for this to be real, I think.
What a wonderful and inspiring new book!!!
Inspiration from 44 different perspectives… surely at least one if not more of these will speak to you and your unique circumstances.
Servant Leadership is a practice and a philosophy whose time has come for a hopeful but hurting world.
Thank you Ken and Renee!
I recently started journaling, so I appreciated Ken’s tip on what to include there. Thanks!
I totally like the idea of daily re calibration. One essential to mater for me!
Great reminder of the importance of choosing to be a servant daily (maybe even multiple times a day). The “magic” is the simplicity of these steps. Often the simple things are the easiest to let slide or drift off. Thanks for a good way to start the day today in the right mindset.
Love the idea of recalibrating with life’s pressures. Thanks for this post. Great way to start the day!
Another great post, as always. I had to write my leadership philosophy as part of a course at Ft Leavenworth — mine is servant leadership. Thanks again for your thoughts posted today!
As a combat veteran myself, I know we think alike!
Dan
Servant Leadership in Action has two chapters written by military veterans: “Five Army-Tested Lessons of Servant Leadership” by Jeffrey W. Foley, Brigadier General, U.S. Army (ret.) and “Developing and Using Servant Leadership in the Military” by Robin Blanchard, Colonel, Washington Army National Guard (ret.). Whether or not you are surprised to hear that the U.S. military is a servant leadership organization, both chapters are great reads! Thanks, Dan!
This is an amazing post and reminds me of a quote I have hanging in my office – “if serving is below you, then leadership is beyond you”. – Anonymous. A culture and climate that grows from a leader’s servant heart is healthy, balanced, and people-centered. Thank you for this today.
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I love the idea of recalibrating yourself at the end of each day. That is an action item I will incorporate into my day immediately.
The only way to be. If we all thought this way, the world would be a better place.
This is what being a leader is all about. I love the term Servant Leader. Great article!
Great post, Dan. Thanks!
Just one note: The link in the WordPress email notification to this post is not correct. You might want to set up a redirect.
“I’m here to serve”. But when times get tough, I asked myself would I set boundaries for myself. And you hit it right, I need to enhance my self awareness!!
Dan, the post isn’t appearing.
On Wed, Mar 7, 2018 at 5:42 AM, Leadership Freak wrote:
> Dan Rockwell posted: “A book giveaway!! 20 complimentary copies available. > Leave a comment on this guest post by Ken Blanchard to become eligible to > win one of TWENTY complimentary copies of Servant Leadership in Action: How > You Can Achieve Great Relationships and Results,” >
Great post – I look forward to reading the book. Every day I remind myself that it is my privilege to promote, coach, recognize and provide opportunities for my direct reports while prioritizing their future growth before mine. I have never met a leader that failed with those intentions.
The servant leader puts his or her needs on the back burner in order to move an organization forward. This type of leadership is difficult in practice because you need to continually adjust in order to meet the needs of the organization. Leaders that serve make time to meet with a variety of stakeholders to ensure everyone has a true stake in the direction of the organization. True servant leadership creates a team-like atmosphere where everyone contributes to the mission. Leaders that are willing to meet their people wherever they are will build trust and through the collective efforts of everyone within the organization will produce positive results.
Servant Leadership focuses on the strength of the team, establishment of trust, and developing people to help them flourish. I try to remember this and practice it every day. I look forward to reading more from Ken Blanchard’s book, one of my favorite authors on Leadership!
I’m looking forward to reading your new book. Servant Leadership is about living our life as an example and giving of our self to grow others. If we love ourselves first, we can affect others in big ways.
Servant Leadership is the core and most AUTHENTIC definition and application of Leadership there is. We have been a Servant Leadership company for more than two decades and will continue to be. why? Because it shapes the CHARACTER and INTEGRITY of genuine Leaders. As such, it is THE key to our consultations and interactions with Leaders throughout the world.
Good reminders about easing into and out of our days as leaders
As a teacher, my job is all about serving and leading. I’ve always thought “facilitator “ was a better word than teacher:
Greetings!
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I appreciated the simple, and effective tip on self-reflection/journaling at the end of the day. The questions aren’t cumbersome, but definitely enhance self-awareness. Thank you.
Love this, servant leadership is heart and habits; if ones core values or moral compass is/are “off”…their leadership will reflect such. Being a servant leader and having passion to be positive social change agents can/will result positively in ones life, work area and those who are impacted.
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This is great! Servant leadership sounds counterintuitive, but it’s a better way to lead.
Good thoughts!
A servant leader puts people first and understands that s/he cannot accomplish anything without them. I’ve always operated under the assumption that if I hire people who are smarter and work harder than me, then my job is easier. This served me well for 40 years. I was happy to give those who “did the work” or accomplished the task the credit. But ultimately if things went south it was my responsibility to take the flack. So one habit would be to give credit where credit is due and accept being responsible and accountable for you and your team. I heard in a recent webinar that “you can be a servant without being a leader, but you can’t be a leader without being a servant.” I thought that was a profound statement.
Love that final quote, Daryl! On the credit/blame thing, I find it good to be generous in both. On the credit, to be generous to others; on blame, to be generous to myself by taking more than might rightly be my fair share.
Thanks for posting Dan. It is amazing that one best practice you see from top leaders across a variety of fields is a morning routine (habit). Whether it is exercise, reading, journaling/writing, meditating, or something else, this daily habit helps them set the tone for the day.
Thanks for the piece, I enjoy your work, it gives me three minutes to myself each day. I have had a strong desire to serve others. As I have grown and developed leadership practice, I have realized that my innate desire to serve has advanced my career to great heights; all because I have always followed my desire to serve first.
Relationships Matter! Leading from serving others! Would love to read this book!
Exciting to work for a company that believes in servant leadership. Would like to know more.
At Boy Scout of America’s premier leadership development course Wood Badge, we spend a significant amount of time talking about Servant Leadership and how it works with the stages of team development. I love serving the youth in my community! I’m an instructor at Wood Badge this summer and looking forward to sharing the tools of the trade like SL and Listening to Learn. If you’re involved in Scouting and haven’t been to Wood Badge yet – you’re missing out! It’s helped me advance my career, be a better parent and husband, & be more impactful with the youth in my Cub Scout pack in using the management theory taught by Ken Blanchard and other leading minds in leadership development.
I think the most difficult aspect of this to maintain is the habit. Real life, real issues, real interruptions, and real distractions take over. This is an awesome reminder for all want to be great leaders!
These daily reads are great to keep you focused on goals. I appreciate the work you do.
This is a challenge as a servant leader and when one is ‘hit below the belt’ how one responds determines if others want to become Christians. Recently this has been a real challenge, but by God’s grace, I have attempted to weather the storm.
Great post.
Thanks for the piece, I enjoy your work, it gives me three minutes to myself each day. I have had a strong desire to serve others. As I have grown and developed leadership practice, I have realized that my innate desire to serve has advanced my career to great heights; all because I have always followed my desire to serve first.
I enjoy the blog and would love to read more about service leadership.
Can’t wait to read this book. Ken is directly on point on the topic of servant leadership.
Our agency is embracing servant leadership – I would love to read this book!
I believe knowing that your “here for others” and “not yourself” separates the servant from Leaders who are not servants. Take the ‘Clergy” for example.
“Find a way to enter the day slowly.” That is something I need to work on. Aside from plotting what I need to do when I get to work during the 7 minute drive, I hit the ground running every day and end up drained by lunch. I can see the benefit…now to make it a habit!
Success grows in the heart. You and those you serve and support must think and act as one for all to be successful.
Because I’m such a practical guy, I really appreciated the useful steps of reflection…morning and night. Now I have an assignment! Thanks.
Thank you! I enjoy every day reading and developing my leadership,
Great author–great commentary
I love how servant leadership is the opposite of “ego”…. to much of that going on these days.
Servant leadership tell a lot about the character of the leader.
I am a high school band director and I teach this kind of leadership to my students every day. I try to find ways to make every student feel that they can give back to the program in some aspect whether it is helping set the chairs and stands up for rehearsal each day, taking attendance in the beginning of class, helping maintain the instrument inventory and music library or helping lead warm up exercises. Every student has a strength they bring to the program and I try to use servant leadership to help them take ownership for their own program, learning and experience. I enjoy learning about this more and more each year.
Love to read practical suggestions. I am eager to learn more about the underpinnings is servant leadership.
Servant leadership is how we all want to be led, but it’s hard to be that kind of leader when ego gets in the way.
Upon receiving my 1st promotion and becoming quite full of myself, a great mentor told me “the higher up the food chain you go, the lower than whale sh*t you become” – 29 years laer I have let that form my own mantra for servant leadership…
Great post Ken. As a high school principal I have an opportunity to serve every day, every morning. The bell rings and those kids come in the building and the opportunities are abundant. If I put myself first I might retreat to the office to take care of emails, observations, and all other types of office work but you’re right. Our people are the most important I have my notepad ready and I listen to the concerns of the students and staff. I will keep the term servant leader top of mind. Thanks for your post
I turned my hour-plus morning commute into time to plan ahead and prepare for the day on my way TO work, and a chance to de-brief myself, think about what I could have done better, and reflect on what went well during the day on my way home FROM work. I didn’t know this a practice that was helping me re calibrate myself each day! Thanks!!
Best type of leadership
I would love to read this book. As I think I understand the principle, I’m not sure that in some companies you will succeed with this philosophy. The company I work for is about ‘owning’ the product, being recognized as the expert, driving to completion, etc… This seems to be contrary to what Servant Leadership is about… but I’m no expert.
At our school we have grade level expectations. Be ready to learn (gr 5), help (gr 6), participate (gr 7)and serve (gr 8). The expectations for all of our grade 8s and all staff is to serve. Serving others is the best form of leadership. It ensures that everyone is included. Everyone can serve.
Books like these can change your life and create better daily living habits, love and best wishes from the UK.
Love reading material on Servant Leadership. Having served our country for 20 years Servant Leadership is the everyday way of Life. .
Great article. Thank you. I was having difficulties with a decision earlier and this article showed up in my mailbox. It has helped me with my decision.
Would love to read this! I could use this with work and church relationships, wanting to be less selfish and more about others is a struggle.
A really great way to look at having the energy to lead every day. Focus on your team and not on yourself, but ensure you recharge to have the energy to serve!
Wonderful!
Love anything by Ken. Thank you for sharing and a great post! Servant Leadership is absolutely critical and always needs to be on the front of our minds.
Much respect for Ken Blanchard with the guidance and insight he offers in publications.
Finding a way to enter the day slowly is such a great piece of advice. Anytime you can start your day on a good note leads to a more successful and happier day. Finding ways to recreate that is such a huge benefit to all, not just servant leaders! Great piece of advice!
I begin each morning with a cup of coffee and a 30 minute stretch. This is my quiet time, to plan my day. It prepares me to serve my team and patrons. At the end of the day I reflect on who I served and how I can improve. This practice has brought both balance and joy into my life! Thanks for the great article!
This is applicable in so many areas – can’t wait to read it!
I’m inspired just reading those few words! Thank you!
45 cents is changing my life. I keep a quarter, nickel, dime and 5 pennies in my pocket- everyday (even on weekends!) These are reminders to “value add” into the different areas of my life. Quarter represents immediate family, dime- my leadership team, nickel represents staff, pennies represent students or just folks I run across throughout the day. It is not just exchanging pleasantries, its about getting to know them and offering specific appreciation for who they are. Simple and cheesy, but it is making a difference in my life. Great idea on keeping a journal- this will increase my self awareness and affirm actions! THANK YOU
Continual improvement and growth-for self and for others. Servant leadership is a foundation in positive cultures.
I love the concept of the four aspects of Servant Leadership (the heart, the head, the hands, and the habits.) Each really resonated. It’s important for leadership at any level to adopt and welcome the concepts of servant leadership into their leadership tool kit.
Love, “Most servant leaders I know have a kind of quiet joy.”
What a great, deep and timeless truth! we are design for connection and our ability to connect is essentially to serve! and by “swing” service we get serve by other based on gratitude! I hope this book can reach many! We need this message today more than ever
Always striving to improve myself to help others.
Recalibration is a great way to think about the “did I act based on my values?” internal conversation.
Such a good reminder for the need for more good self reflection as we strive to be the best leaders we can be. Thank you for your thoughtful insight!
I once spoke with Ken after he returned from a conference overseas. I had joked with our rep about having him call me as I wanted to share some leadership and customer focus ideas. He actually called me! He shared a quote with me…”Leadership is not about the love of power, but the power of love.” I wanted to share that with all of you as I feel it gets to the heart of a servant leader.
It is refreshing to hear the words servant leader because it seems that is not what is highly valued in our society. I believe that being a servant leader keeps work focused on having our core values guide our work. The reminders of structures listed here are helpful. I need to refocus and remember. Thank you for this post.
“Congruence” – that feels like a real message in this – be congruent with your intentions, who you are, who you want to be and show it day in day out for a greater good. There’s a huge difference between a subservient leader and a servant leader… I sometimes think that gets overlooked. Desire to serve is key and fundamentally, for me, servant leadership comes from the heart…
Servant Leadership begins with a heart. A heart for service, a heart for your industry, and most importantly, a heart for your team. I find that if you truly care about the needs of your team, then servant leadership comes naturally. Empathy is a critical part of service and leadership. Having empathy for your team, understanding what their struggles are, and asking what you can do to help them is servant leadership. Identifying and removing roadblocks for your team so they can do what they do best, is servant leadership. Having tough discussions with them, because you care about their personal and professional growth is servant leadership. All of these actions are focused on the people you serve and lead, and not focused on you. Servant Leaders truly have a heart for serving and helping others grow. Interestingly enough, along the way you grow.
Thank you for providing us with this daily dose of motivation.
The heart and the habits are the critical elements. I read Blanchard’s “Lead Like Jesus,” and found it to be the quintessential description of true leaders, using the head, heart, hands, and habit. In this post, Blanchard captures the sense of the heart for the success of others, which leads to self achievement. The habits are the simple things we plan and do daily with an eye on evaluation so we can become better which influences those we lead. Others watch what we do far more critically than believe what we say. That is why both the heart and habits are critical. What is in our hearts is reflected in our habits.
I couldn’t agree more with entering your day slowly. What’s lost by not doing this, cannot be regained.
I doubt that either is a new notion but a couple of servant leader concepts that I’m finding really worth my reflection:
The Courage of Humility–surrendering power in favor of influence, deliberately shifting positive attention to others, accepting the reality of error and shortcomings, the vulnerability of loving your colleagues (especially the ones who work downline on the organization chart), etc.
The Humility of Greatness–the mere notion of improvement obviously implies imperfection, the willingness to listen to and profit from criticism, the empowering nature of humility, the focus on the welfare of others that is crucial to successful organizational performance, etc.
Oprah Winfrey said “I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint-and the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you”. Once you know how to serve, you can teach others to serve, it’s generated from your heart. Discover your own strengths and lead by example. Start and end your day with meditation, prayer, and self reflection. This is the energy in which drives you to start another day knowing your reason for existing is not just for you but for others. Great article!
sounds like an awesome way to lead.
What a great discussion about servant leadership. In the typical hustle and bustle of our current culture, it is sometimes easy to forget our “why”. I am always appreciated of leaders who understand that when you invest in people everyone wins. Thanks for the reminder to write every day about accomplishments and those things still on our “to do” list. I have a daily motivational calendar and I look forward to reading my message every morning when I enter my office. The message today – There is nothing more precious than laughter!
Servant Leadership is what makes great leaders. If we had more of them, the world would be in a much better place today.
Any and every book by Ken Blanchard is worth the read.
The heart IS about intentions and character – people see through to that! One of the most important qualities of a leader, in my opinion. Would love to read this book!
I really enjoy your posts and wisdom. It has 100% assited me on my path to being a servant leader
A great perspective and a good reminder to us all
I hope for a book to learn more about being a servant leader.
This is exactly what I needed today. Sometimes I get frustrated with myself because I feel like I read these posts, I nod in agreement or find myself saying, ohh…that’s good I need to start…stop…keep this idea a priority and then…the next day, the next post, the next change that doesn’t happen. But the change is happening… I need to take it a step further by writing down my intentions, but I am forming a habit of lifting myself and my purpose forward every day when I read these posts and I pause to bring my purpose in my focus. The book would help me find more methods to keep my servant leadership in focus. Thanks for the guest post!
I work for my team. I never feel as though they work “for” me. I think it’s what makes us a well-oiled machine; supporting one another, caring about each other as people first and foremost.
I recently became a leader in my new building.
Servant leadership is what I am striving for. At the forefront it is not about me-it is about everyone else first.
Taking the time to recalibrate is essential to staying the course in the journey of who you want to become. Thanks for the reminder to take a good hard look at myself.
Usually its just I’ve read of 3H Heart, Head, Hands, The Habits is new to me
I love “find a way to enter the day slowly.”
Allows you to consider your day with intention. Thank you!
John Butts, Illinois
As always….#LeadersMatter
What a great gift for 20 leaders!! Thank you for this! I read everyone of your posts!
Would love to have the opportunity to learn more about servant leadership!
Servant Leadership is an art, not a science! I have always loved Blanchard’s thinking and this article is wonderful material to think about!
“Find a way to enter your day slowly.” – I am guilty of waking up and moving right into my list of tasks. I’ve found that if I slow down to start, the rest of my day goes smoother. My anxiety is drastically decreased, and my capacity to be a leader is much higher.
“…But if you’re here to serve, it’s who you are every day.”… reminds me of, who are you when no one is watching. Loved this post! Thank you.
Enjoyed this post about Servant Leadership. “The greatest among you will be your servant” – Matthew 23:11 Associates follow great servant leaders.
I like the words about entering the day slowly. I make attempts to get into Work early, I’ve found getting a good breakfast to eat which I do while winding into the day works wonders for my energy. I then step into scrolling thru emails and reading up on what’s going on in my industry and beyond. I find it energizes my mind and helps prep me for the day ahead. Others I’ve found seem to start out frazzled and their days are just jumbles of chaos. I don’t really journal at the end of the day but let my mind wander thru the events and plan somewhat my attack on the next day as I drive home. And the 404 message for the first post, I believe that is a result of Russian bots (ha ha)
Great article! There will always be someone in you organization who will remember you for what you did, or didn’t do for them. #Service
I’m a young supervisor in a federal government position and I know that some colleagues in my building don’t understand my leadership style, but I am more of a servant leader and I just try to be the best example of a leader that I can be. Slowly, I see those colleagues understanding why I do the things the way I do and hopefully they’ll learn something from it! Reading about sharing who I am at the core, leading with my heart, makes me feel better about the way I lead, because that’s just something I’ve always done. Thanks for sharing! And I love reading Ken Blanchard’s books on leadership. My supervisor gave me the One Minute Manager when I was in my first year of supervising and I’ve read it several times now since then!
Sounds like a great read. I look forward to growing in my Servant Leadership and reaffirming my foundation in Franciscan Joy by reading by this book and continuing my daily practice. Thanks for the post!
The best type off leadership is Servant Leadership. It has and always will be about others and not so much about me.
I find it essential to refocus myself regularly on serving.
Ken never misses! Thanks for the opportunity.
While I always cringe at the phrasing of “servant” and “servient” in this and other relatable dialogue, I appreciate your breakdown of the elements. It is easy to find strengths in one or two areas; much more difficult to acknowledge an inadequacy in the others, and consciously seek a more robust equilibrium. For me, habit almost always falls along seasonal guidelines. It is easier to satisfy in spring and summer, when the weather is ripe and my garden is prime. Fall and winter, it takes more conscious effort to incorporate those quiet joy moments.
This is a great article. I feel that many times managers/leader get caught up in getting results, they often forget about the person they are leaning on to achieve those results. They need to step back and think about what they can do for that person. It will strengthen the bond between leader and employee.
Side note, I greatly enjoy all the articles on here. I don’t think we will all always agree on the messages of everyone, but it should five us a different perspective and that may alter if not change the way we choose to lead.
Totally agree that the “servant leader” is something inherent…it’s just who the person is.
This sounds like an interesting read to use in all aspects in my life. Being a leader is so much more than what happens in the workplace. Being a leader is a mindset that manifest in all facets of life.
I just heard about this yesterday and listened to the sample audio on Amazon! Sounds like an amazing book…was so cool to see who the contributing partners were—some of the top servant leaders in this era…definitely on my list to read!
LOVE first and LEAD second, but ALWAYS do both!
I’ve read earlier works on servant-leadership, and try to practice it daily. Would love to improve my knowledge with this newer book! Thanks for the reminder to write down such reflections at the end of each day.
Wow. Absolutely fabulous. “We can’t behave on our good intentions if we don’t give ourselves time and space to recalibrate who we want to be.” powerful.
I hear the term Servant Leadership used quite a bit, but I’m often confused by the differences in usage.
I’ve taken it to mean, I have others doing the work, I will get them what they need and remove what they don’t so they can do what I need them to do. The work. Anytime they spend searching for things or navigating through things that is time away from what I want from them. Results from the work.
I hear it used in ways that I do not see evidence of what I think should be happening (providing what is needed and removing what is not – again, my interpretation).
I’ve felt that its been talked about like any employee demands are met, almost like a ransom list. To me this is dangerous.
I’ve also felt some ways are more religious in nature as if it is the same as serving god.
There is also the few that use it because they believe it to be a buzzword or they think it’s expected for them to say they do things that way.
The Hands, Heart, Head, and Habits, remind me of the 4-H club pledge regarding Hands, Heart, Head, and Health.
http://4-hhistorypreservation.com/History/M-C-P/
Very interesting connection for me. Thank you.
Servant Leadership is something that I try to work on and continue to practice daily with my team. Love your blog and use one of them in every one of our staff meetings for motivation…Thanks for all that you do and your work on Leadership!
Thank you for sharing your wisdom on leadership! I am a teacher leader in my building, and I have taken so much of what I read on your blog and applied it to my leadership role. I also share your blog posts with my husband, who is a team leader for a large corporation. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to your next post!
We always have the best example of servant leadership with our Savior Jesus Christ but having 44 tangible examples in action today sounds awesome! Thanks for the reminder of why we are here – to serve!
servant leadership is a life long aspiration. THanks for the little lessons along the way
Wow. this seems like a book I certainly could use
Glad to see the mention of journaling. The process of journaling always helped me keep track of goals and objectives, accomplishments and shortfalls, and provide some long-term perspective on the evolution of success. Eager to read this new book!
servant leadership is leadership. I watched the webinar and would love to have the book!
Getting beneath the externals to the fundamentals.
I need to increase my self awareness, and I love the idea of recalibrating at the end of the day.
I believe to be a servant leader you must embrace humility. I think that it is sometimes a hard balance to maintain.
At the end of the day, our team members are 95% of our assets. Without them, nothing could be accomplished. I want to be the servant leader and feel I do this, but I am intrigued to learn more. I encourage everyone to write something down that was positive for the day, something they were grateful for, and if there was anything they could change what it was and how/why they would change it. Then we take the cards and put them in the “past” file and tomorrow is a new day with a clean slate. I am not here to micro-manage every step or move my team makes, I am here to guide them on their journey to achieve their goals, celebrate their successes and move them forward when we have failures.
Heart led servant leadership is what’s most needed in – what seems to be – an increasingly “me-centered” culture. Looking forward to reading more valuable nuggets from Ken! – Sherry Waters
Oh wow! I feel behind not knowing Ken and his work. Looking forward to diving deeper and researching more about him.
Being a servant and a leader go hand in hand. This book would be an excellent read for me at this time in my life. I have been considering a volunteer leadership position and want to be sure that I remain in line with my values and what I need to being doing at this time in my life.
Thank you for the insights on servant leadership. Servant leadership enables you to connect at a much deeper level.
Great post! It is so important to remember to be purposeful in our actions, and what better way to gauge our success in meeting our own expectations and continuously improving than to reflect on our behaviors each day?
WOW! Wish we could get a turn out like this everyday. Servant leadership has been around a long time. The first was this guy who said “to be first you must be last”. Some say that you cant (and why would you) use servant leadership in a military or emergency service environment. I say they are wrong. We are here but to serve and there is no greeter calling then to serve those who have been given to us to lead.
A big fan of Ken Blanchard and his work on servant leadership. It’s in adding value to others and serving them that fuels continuous improvement and development.
“Find a way to enter the day slowly” So true! But for me that means committing to going to bed on time, otherwise I snooze past that really important time in the morning.
Great post and looking forward to more insight from the book.
I can relate to Ken’s aspects here. I wish others who have led me in the past did the same..
I echo others that anything by Ken Blanchard is worth the investment. Servant Leaders, to me, are those who are living outside of themselves and living out their purposes or “noble goals.” These long to make a difference in those they touch and impact the world in which they live. Remarkable people, these rare and wondrous servant leaders. And I’m so excited about your suggestion for journaling. I am not one to journal because it takes so much time. What you have suggested, however, is doable! I can’t wait to try it.
Always look forward to your posts. They have given me courage and heart in my work!
Servant leadership is beneficial to both followers and leaders. It’s a win-win! It is amazing that some managers never understand this and others see it as so simple.
Definitely the best way to lead. Thanks for the beginning and ending of your day tips.
A lively discussion right now with a co-leader who wants to direct. I’d love a copy of this book. (Or two).
This would be a great read for me at this point in my life. I am considering a volunteer leadership position and have been praying that it is the right place for me to be at this point in my life.
Servant Leadership is quite practical and profitable to an organization. The major issue, i feel, is an entrepreneur putting ego aside to actually practice.
What a great post today! I was inspired by this post and would love to read more! “Servant leadership has four aspects: the heart, the head, the hands, and the habits” Love it! .
I like the Servant Leader concept and would like to dive deeper into understanding it and how to apply it
In todays fast-paced world it’s easier talk about what is wrong than take the time to address how we’d envision things instead and how our behaviors contribute to that end.
Thank you for this post. Servant leadership is a way of life, and not something you would just wake up one day and say “I’m going to be a servant hearted leader today”. Looking forward to reading more about Ken’s views in his book. Thanks!
Agree! Thanks for the post.
Thanks for your blog, and all you put into it!
I am actually a servant literally and figuratively since have been employed in role of head housekeeper in elite households. Also self-appointed activist with no pay on causes and organizations I believe in. Create projects of good will when passion strikes. Don’t understand those whose god is money and never follow the ripples of harm coming from creating it or using it. Dylan stated -ya gotta serve somebody. I have seen the heart at the presumed top and I have seen the heart from those at the ‘bottom’. Serve unselfish principles. The 99% is suffering and that is not counting all the millions beyond our self-focused USA borders. Why some jumped on false savior’s golden parachute for remedies.
We need to hear more on character! Thanks for the encouragement.
Great info, but I have to admit that the day to day grind makes it difficult to be consistently refocused. I am a work in process and this certainly is a help!!!
Thank you Dan for your servant’s heart! I am a benefactor!
The “becoming” speaks so passionately to me!
Jesus, the greatest servant of all. I think of how He did it so often! He is so amazing! I hear many Kingdom principles in you blog.
Thank you and God bless you!
Can’t wait to read the book!
Great ideas. Would love to win a copy of this for the work I do.
Servant Leadership: articulating and naming the essential ‘being’ essence and energy that powers all the One Minute Manager pointers, and especially the successful application of Situational Leadership…models and frameworks I still use to this day in my coaching and consulting practices, ever since being exposed to them many many years ago as a rookie consultant. So many people I have seen inspired and empowered by the taking back of a gracefully and intentionally given Monkey!!
This is my first time to post here, and I must say, I’ve really been enjoying these articles. I look forward to reading them each day. The servant leaders heart really speaks to me. If I don’t get a free copy, I’ll be buying the audiobook ASAP!
I too find the greatest challenge in being a leader is the daily grind. Being so busy that it is a challenge to eat lunch take breaks and just practice good self care. I need to remember that being a servant leader also means having good boundaries. For me the habits are key. Thanks for sharing this!
More than a decade ago I took a spiritual gift inventory which indicated administration, helps and teaching. It seems these gifts should make servant leadership easier and more natural for me. Lack of self awareness and allowing a negative attitude to take root can take me off track. Starting tonight, I’ll try the early morning quote review and evening journal entries as a way to improve. Thanks Dan and Ken.
Thank you for the updated link and for being a servant leader.
One of my greatest mentors taught me early in my career that heart, caring, and compassion are vital.
Recalibrating every day is so important. I haven’t made it a habit yet but will work on it. I love love these books and the servant leader philosphophy!
This sounds wonderful. I plan on reading it if with win or not.
Servant Leadership is inspirational and transformative. It takes introspection and a desire to help others instead of dominate them. I know that sounds simple but it is truth. I look forward to reading this book
The first management book I purchased, early in my career, was by Ken Blanchard, and it was perfect for my skill level at that time. Many years later, this newest book looks like it is full of useful ideas and inspiration for where I am now in my career. Looking forward to reading it!
Frances, servant leadership is strong in this government but like corporate America it does not make it to the top, yet. Pray for those who serve to serve. What is a leader if not a servant.
Servant leadership is critical to success in any arena. I see it in the church and every organization I am involved with. I am now retired but servant leadership in business makes a huge difference in the outcome whether dealing with a board or employees or clients/customers. Our government is lacking in the servant leadership mentality. Badly and sadly needed.
Love the opportunity to win Ken’s new book! Thanks.
What an inspiring and reinforcing post! Contrary to popular misconceptions, the best leaders I encountered in my Air Force career were servant leaders who fully subscribed to the core values of service before self, integrity, and excellence in all we do. In my post-military corporate career, the most effective leaders I supported focused selflessly on objectives as well as mentoring, developing, and promoting their juniors, peers, and even superiors. Our legacies ultimately depend on how we impact and influence others. Your insights on servant leadership are a significant key to leading a life well lived in every aspect of our lives. Thank you!
I enjoy a run or a cycling class first thing in the AM to re-calibrate, thank you for sharing this wisdom!
“We can’t behave on our good intentions if we don’t give ourselves time and space to recalibrate who we want to be.” I love this thought!
I often tell my employees that we have to take care of ourselves before we take care of others while using the analogy of the oxygen masks on the airplane (you are asked to put it on yourself before you go to help someone else). I had not yet thought of this in respect to leadership so thank you for the lightbulb moment.
Thanks so much for sharing this post today! My one word for year is servant-hearted. ( I know I expanded the one word theme to a hyphenated word, but was so excited to see the reinforcement in today’s post!) Thank you!
“Servant leadership is beneficial to both followers and leaders. It’s a win-win!”
I would add a third “win” to this because our customers also win!
Thank you for continued inspiration and nudges to be more authentic.
Servant leadership is at the core of my leadership art. Often called the “heart and soul” of the group I’m involved with is an honor and label I will proudly represent.
I strive daily to be a servant leader, it is a journey and would love to be able to have the book.
Yes I too was impacted by the 404 error so may have lost the opportunity to receive the book. Regardless, I fall into the categories of the heart, the head, and the habits. I hope I get to read KB’s book to learn more….liked the topic. Thanks!
It sounds like this book offers a different perspective on leadership! Looking forward to reading it!
Great reminders…and I believe a servant leader just generally sees a bigger picture and thinks of others before himself/herself
Ken Blanchard always has such a straightforward approach to leadership topics. Looking forward to reading this next installment on Servant Leader.
Currently reading a book about Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. He did such a great job of modeling servant leadership in such subtle, yet powerful ways!
I try to embody servant leadership, but it is hard. The concept of starting my day slowly and being more thoughtful is something I haven’t done.
Sounds like I could really use this guide. I am in a place where I am not even sure if my actions feed my ego or if I do them to really serve others. is it possible to do both? I need a guide!
A holistic look at leadership qualities both personal and professional that lead to a more productive and humanistic experience.
Thank you for the important work and commentary on servant leadership. Its a concept that needs more attention from management at all levels.
The threads of servant leadership have been part of an ongoing peer mentor conversation I have been taking part in. I would love the opportunity to read this book!
I share your insight with my management team regularly. I would love to have this book to share, as well. Helps to see the bigger picture of leadership.
If you don’t put feet under your words, intentions, mission statements, company values, your team knows it. Come out from behind your desk, out of your office, board meetings, step out from behind the camera that videotapes your messages and periodically mingle in the workplace and acknowledge your team…on the front lines as its happening…engage in spontaneous opportunities to solicit feedback from your team about their day in that moment. Your frontline people have invaluable information that is worth its weight in gold. Otherwise, you are just Oz behind the curtain.
I love the the idea of servant leadership. I actually heard about a credit union that changed their titles. For example the CEO’s title is Chief Servant and etc
Dan…thank you for a great post. Servant-leadership is the foundation of our Academy. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to study with Ken Blanchard in the early part of my career. One of the first classes he taught was on Servant-Leadership meaning “servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first unselfishly.” – Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world. This needs to be a commitment from the top down in order for it to be part of an organization’s culture.
Thank you for the reminder to keep one’s ego in check – it’s not a competition – be present to serve, to help others succeed – their success is your success.
Servant leadership speaks to my core. I learn a lot of useful information from your blog.
I would love to read this book. I thoroughly enjoy the daily messages I receive from Leadership Freak. I am a special education teacher in a high school. Have been for 24 years. I also teach Driver Education, am involved in my community, church and family. I also try to live by what I continue to learn in a 12 step program. Surrounding myself with this combination of wealth of knowledge, purpose for life, and service to others is what helps to keep me centered, driven, and serving others. Thank you so much for all that you share each day! 🙂 Lori
A good read. Reminded me of what I need to do on a daily basis. I need to get back to it.
I thought this post was concise, thoughtful, and insightful. These are concepts that can help develop the entire person.
Took me a long time to figure out that Servant Leadership is my leadership style. I’ll definitely be trying out the “recalibration” suggestion!
I love the practical steps given in this article!
This is great information. I agree this is a way of life! I’m working with the rest of our management team to address this
I always wish to serve my team. It helps the process be more introspective with ideas and suggestions that can be found in this volume. I would welcome a copy electronically if chosen.
Thanks in advance.
I often wonder if servant leadership can be taught or learned. Servant Leadership seems to me to be driven from the heart.
Servant leaders don’t pay much attention to the perks of power.
Servant leadership is a indeed a way of “being” in the world. I find Ken’s work to be very applicable to anyone who wants to influence others — not just business leaders. Looking forward to this newest publication.
I appreciate your daily encouragement and enlightment. I need this on my journey of becoming a good leader.
Looking forward to reading the book, particularly because I have enjoyed and benefitted from many other books that Dr. Blanchard has been part of.
The concept of a leader being a servant seems oxymoronic on the surface. In truth, however, the best leaders are those that serve the needs of his/her followers. The almost constant reflection is challenging but is also responsible for the most growth.
I work at a company that promotes Servant Leadership so much, it’s one of our 5 values. That wouldn’t mean much for most, but it does for us because we put it in practice. By no means have we arrived, but we truly live to serve. I let my team know I am there for them, and expect the same. We are all striving towards the same goal and results, and we help each other reach those results. It makes work a joy, not a job. That said, I’d love the book to help recalibrate like it’s mentioned above. Commitment takes practice, so when it’s tested, it remains true.
Thanks!
Servant leaders usually don’t call themselves such. They always model it.
I am looking forward to getting back to the place of the quiet joy of servant leadership.
“Servant leadership”… I like the sound of that. I’ve been trying to encourage others on a daily basis because I see encouragement as a need in people’s lives. Plus, I just love encouraging others; it’s one way that I can serve people and God. I haven’t heard about this book, but I like the post and would love to read the book when it’s out. Thank you for sharing! Also, I really like the phrasing, “a quiet joy”. It encouraged me and made me smile.
i had the wonderful experience of working for a servant leader for many years. Through him I had a daily model to provide consistent reminders and examples. As a leader I strive to keep the habits of servant leadership and appreciate spokespeople such as Ken Blanchard provide continual advice and reinforcement to help me stay on track.
I find this philosophy aligns with an outward mindset as defined by The Arbinger Institute: People often unknowingly work with an inward mindset, focusing on their own needs, challenges, and objectives without an awareness of their impact on others. When people work with an outward mindset, they take into account their impact on others and focus on the needs of the organization as a whole.
I love the idea of recalibrating DAILY – – servant leadership is a DAIL commitment. I also want to commit to entering the day slowly! Just saying it brings a sense of peace.
Thank you for the excerpt of what it takes to be a servant leader. I think the highlight that resonates with me is the habits are about recalibrating, on a daily basis, who you want to be. Without instiling the habits,the goal of reaching for true servant leadership mentality won’t be there. Thank you, again.
Thanks for the inspiring ideas. I especially liked this part:
The heart is about intentions and character—who you are at your core.
Servant leaders have a unique energy that says “I’m here to serve, not to be served. It’s who I am.”
Wow! I had to do a lot of scrolling down to get this chance to win a book – but it will be very worthwhile if I’m one of the winners. Thanks!
I find it fascinating to be able to learn about the role as a Servant Leader. I have always thought my subdued personality and focus on helping was a detriment to being an organizational leader. I would like to look deeper how I can develop these into strengths.
Pick me, pick me!!!
Another great post. I read this blog daily and it re energizes me and reminds me that I choose how to respond to challenging situations.
Always looking for ways to improve upon Servant Leadership –
Would love a copy
This is a good post & it sounds like a good book. Ego has a way of resurrecting itself so it is very true that, “The habits are about recalibrating, on a daily basis, who you want to be—because life’s pressures can get you off track.” Recalibrating daily is a must.
I would love to get a copy of this book.
This is the kind of leadership I want to display. I am sure this book will help me in my pursuit.
Love Ken Blanchard. I daily try to improve as a servant leader.
Servant Leadership sound like a fantastic, introspective approach to leadership. I have always believed in working harder than you ask your people to. Kind of a “pacesetter” style of leadership. I cannot ask them to do more than I am willing to. Servant Leadership sounds like a similar approach in that you are working from a mindset of “what can I do for my people” rather than “what can my people do for me.”
Sounds like a genuinely great read!
This is a great post. Made me reflect and think about how I start my day off on the right foot. Truth is, I start my day off by opening my work email and reading the Leadership Freak Blog. I love it!
I read the Leadership Freak blog daily and it had guided and stretched me over the years. I have slowly started the learn the benefits of starting my day slow and ending it with a time of reflection. I appreciate being reminded that ‘who we want to be’ is an incremental (and intentional) process. I look forward to receiving a copy of the book!
Adding bookends to your day serves the same purpose as books on a shelf – to keep them aligned and readily available.
My morning routine is to start with a bit of learning, both structured or unstructured, to go into the day with a new idea or perspective.
The end of the day routine is self-reflection, evaluating my accomplishments, and setting a loose plan for the next day.
This allows me to focus on what I want to accomplish, offer time to the needs of others, and limit the potential for chaos. Great leadership subject!
Servant Leadership is so important to me as I grow as a leader. I find that if I’m willing to do whatever I’ve asked my staff to do- and even doing above and beyond- I can always count on having a strong, supportive team in my corner.
I love the advice about habits. I’ve not been doing what is suggested, so I’ll try this to improve getting the habits I want to stick to actually stick!
Hi Ken,
I have been a manager and leader of a small group for about 7 years now. I have not (I won’t lie) consistently been reading your blogs as my boss started sending them to me, but slowly I am became more intrigued and find them very helpful. Learning how to relate to people, how to guide them, how to inspire them, and learning also about how I DO THINGS, and how I SEE THINGS, and when I NEED TO CHANGE is very enlightening.
I thank you for doing what you do and seeing the opportunities in all of us
I think the key ingredient to a servant leader is humility. By humbling yourself to be willing to serve others above self, you force yourself to look at the world differently and thereby treat others differently as well.
I agree that finding something to be grateful for every day is key.
I find much to be grateful for each and every day. I start by being grateful that I am upright and respirating and that I can go to work. I am each day grateful that I have a loving wife and now Adult children who I have seen grow and mature in wonderful fulfilling ways. I am grateful each day that I live in a free Country where (at least for now) I can voice my opinions in a free and open manner. I am grateful each day that hard work and good manners really do produce wonderful results. I am grateful for the chance to say “yes to opportunity” every day and have those opportunities lead to challenges that I seek to solve with results that usually surprise me in a positive way. I am grateful that even here in the Socialist State of Taxifornia the Snow is where God really meant it to be (in the mountains should you wish to visit it in its extreme and cold glory). Now if I could only be grateful for the Government in this Socialist State but I just can’t seem to get there.
Loved the blog…left me wanting to read more!!
Looks like a great book. Love the comment about entering your day slowly.
I have made an interesting observation through the years when I have had autocratic bosses (I won’t call them leaders or even managers.) My servant leadership style is always criticized as weak, however, there is never complaints about my team’s results. Go figure…
I, too, have always struggled with the heart and habits, although habits more than heart. I’d like to believe that I come with the best of intentions. The pressures of the day and the rush to the next deliverable often force the proper habits to the side. This is an area where I continue to look at myself for improvement.
Ken’s insights are always spot on– relevant and applicable in so many arenas. They stimulate thoughfulness and inviite self-awareness. I aways come away with something useful to elevate both leadership and team success.
I’d love to win a copy of this book, what great tips from this post about how to align my values, intentions and impact on a daily basis!
Quiet joy for Servant Leaders is oh so true! A Servant Leader is not in a leadership position for fame and glory. A servant leader is in it for the greater good. What comes from that, to me, is more priceless than any amount of fame and glory. Ken’s books and Dan’s blog are great, quick ways to help us stay on that Servant Leadership track. Thanx guys for all that you do!
Great start to growing leaders!!
I have learned about Jesus from many servant leaders. The idea can only spread thru example. Our nature is selfish and wants attention, servant leaders have none of either, the vast majority are only appreciated in the circle where they interact.Thanks for quantifying what it is!
tom
Pete: I have received a book from this web site before. It is not based off of the first 20. It is by the best 20 responses. I roll my eyes when someone just post “give me give me”. Sharing your why and engaging others is a critical part of servant leadership. The old “because I said so” does not work and it should never have. I agree checking my ego and not taking things so personal helps. There are times I will let a team member go with less then the best option (if risk are acceptable) as a learning tool. Enjoyed your input sir.
I love the idea of reflecting on what went well each day and an opportunity to do better. And the word choice of “another shot at” is awesome!
I am probably not even in the contest for the first 20 comments, but I always check my ego to see if I am a) not listening to concerns/comments, and b) forcing my opinion to be right. There are definitely times as a leader when my experience is significantly greater than others to direct the best possible outcome, but it is important that the others understand the reason WHY.
I love discussions about servant leadership. It is a concept that, at times, seems completely absent from the workplace. Servant leadership requires a healthy dose of self-awareness and great deal of emotional intelligence. You can have all the theory in your back pocket and act on your best behavior because you know that people are watching. It is what you do behind closed doors and what you think in the recesses of your mind that makes you who you REALLY are.
I like the self-reflection suggestions for the end of the day! Thanks.
This aligns with a book I just finished: A Work of Heart by Reggie McNeal. So much of leadership seems wrapped up in how much we embrace our identity as God’s child – not in a cold, forensic manner of status, but in a most intensely and intimately relational sense.
“Servant leadership has four aspects: the heart, the head, the hands, and the habits.” I loved this quote. was this Dan’s or Ken’s… What a great quote!
Servant Leadership is a great approach to leadership that works. Ken’s interpretation of the concepts and his approach of hands, heart, head and habit is a very interesting way to consider Servant Leadership.
Servant leaders are those who just do without being told or asked. I saw that from my older generation. We need to encourage that in our next generations.
Tried leaving a comment (gotta have one of those books!!!!!!!!!!!), but when I hit âCOMMENTâ, â404 Not Foundâ appeard.
My comment: I have loved reading Ken Blanchard over the years!!! Thanks for this very relevant book!!!
Surely for this hardship Iâll get the 21st book!!! âº
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Thanks.
John Francis
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Would love a copy of servant leadership!!!
Thank you for sharing your heart on leadership.
I believe the world would be a much better place if more leaders allowed the Servant Leader within them to shine through. I think most of us have it at our core, but unfortunately other types of leaders have been rewarded and have become role models. However, there are many of us who know it feels right and makes us shine inside and out when we exhibit behaviors of a SL. I am so glad to read Ken’s practical advice for starting the day ‘slowly’ and developing habits that serve the SL well. My mission is to raise awareness with those I coach to the benefits and realities of successful SLs. So glad to know you both are fantastic examples! Thank you!
Ken Blanchard has been one of my ‘heros’ for many years. Through my 30 years in leadership positions I have continued to aspire to be a servant leader.
A goal for all of us who lead.
A servant leader treats others how he would like to be treated
The phrase on the image: “Servant leaders have a kind of quiet joy” is so true. Servant leadership requires you to be centered and comfortable with yourself. I have found this to be a great personal test. When I have stepped out of the quiet joy, I have stepped out of a servant’s heart.
A true believer in SL! Thank you for sharing this post!
Leadership reflects attitude!!! I love this quote. It lives in my heart ever since I heard it.
If the leader has great attitude and leads by modeling exemplary attributes, it permeates among others….it’s contagious.
I would like a book! Just stumbled across your site and love everything.
I can always improve my skills working with other and leading others.
David Lantz
“Servant Leadership”…IS THERE REALLY ANOTHER MORE APPROPRIATE WAY?
This looks like a great book to read as a building principal being a servant leader is always my goal.
Thank you again for such great ‘food for thought’, this book is now added to my reading list!. Servant leadership is about humility for me, leadership is so often about the position that is held, that position is a privilege, others you work with and lead have skills and attributes that are critical to the strengths of your teams. As a leader you don’t do it alone, you support a culture that is about achieving results, personal development, trust, personal achievement and collective success. You listen to the spoken, the unspoken, observe actions, interactions, collaborate, coach as needed, you humbly observe your teams being their best and making a difference through being the leader they need when they need it.
A servant leader is with you all along the way. In front if you to help move obstacles and distractions. Behind you to give an extra push and cheer you on. Along side you so you can learn and grow together.
Love this: If you’re here to serve, it’s who you are every day. Also, great advice on starting the day off right and ending the day in a moment of self-reflection.
Good post, thanks for your insights! I would love to win a copy of the book. And if I don’t I’ll be buying it anyway. Ken Blanchard is an inspiring leader and writer.
I watched Ken’s webinar last week and heard him mention how he starts his mornings looking at what his purpose for the day is. I’m gonna try this.
I would love to win a copy of this book! It is very relevant to where I’m at right now. Trying to balance the pressures of a growing results while be a true servant leader to those around me.
Love your posts each week! Always my favorite email in my inbox. Thank you! I use your posts with my leadership team every Wednesday. Book sounds AMAZING!
Very much enjoy these posts and the inspiration in my email. These have become part of my “habits”
Trying to be a servant leader.
Starting my day slowly is a huge opportunity for me! Great advice! I would LOVE to win a copy!
Starting my day slowly is an opportunity for me! Great advice!! I would LOVE to win a copy of this book!
Hi Dan,
Would that be “servant as commander”! I guess I’ll find out when you send me the electronic version!! 😉
John
In my quest to no longer be held captive to my personality type (Myers Briggs); servant leadership has euipped me with the tools to take the ten percent stretch. The servant leadership practices have helped me to divert more focus how my personal growth may be used to develope and inspire the growth of others. This has proved beneficial in the law enforcement profession.
It really comes down to our ability to connect through our common humanity. Thank You for a lifetime of wisdom.
I was once told my purpose in life was to serve. I now serve by leading.
Cant wait to read this! Ive experienced the benfits of being lead by a leader who embodies servant leadership and one who has crushed the team and would have benefitted from adopting the principles. Would love to learn the core components to adopt and share. Would love a copy please.
With my staff, I bought them journals and asked them to book in their calendars 10 minutes at the end of each day to do reflective journaling and learn how to end their end reflecting on what they learned about themselves, ie recalibrate. I’m going to use your analogy here when we meet next week and check in on the progress of intentional recalibrating. Love reading everything you write.
Merci Dan! Blanchard’s leadership styles work like a charm… however I have my doubts re servant leadership. Will I get a chance to win a digital copy as your international subscriber and change my mind about it? 😀 The time will show… Warm greetings from Poland!
Hi Dan,
Being a Servant Leader is the key to unlock and build many relationships.
1. Do not let others do things that you are not prepared to do yourself- a motto that I keep in mind.
2. Also, the more you do, the more you can do! 🙂 (Think about it in all aspects of life)
The important thing is to be a leader that is not more servant than leader. Leaders are like orchestra conductors that know the way, show the way and celebrate the success of OTHERS! My day starts with prayer and quiet time, my school day starts with your blog and my day ends in reflection. I do however not write my reflection down…this will be something new to try out and shake things up in the next week.
Thank you for inspiring and helping us all be better leaders!
Andria
This post really got me thinking this morning, so much so that I’m finding myself commenting again. 🙂 This self-reflection and self-awareness, something I take time to think about first thing in the morning while enjoying my morning coffee, made me realize that confidence is directly connected to our knowledge and skills. When we’re young, it’s that youthful ignorance of how little we actually know that gives us a lot of confidence. But, with time, we start becoming aware of how much more we need to learn, so our confidence dips (sinks down) to the level of our knowledge. As the knowledge grows, so does the confidence. Now, without self-awareness and regular recalibration, our confidence can stay down. I think this is something that any leader should teach his/her staff the importance of recalibrating and self-awareness. Without this, nobody can truly grow and meet their fullest potentials. Thank you, Ken, for helping me learn more about my self through these meaningful posts.
Ken, btw, in February, I won your One Minute Manager book in the Leadership course I’m attending through work. I was the nerd who wrote things down and was able to answer some questions right after the lunch break because I was able to refer to my notes. 🙂 I’m reading that one daily. Really useful book!
I’m so happy I’ve found Servant leadership as a style. I never knew how to “define” what my leadership style is because it always seemed so different from everyone else’s. Having a name to it gives me confidence to lead on!
I appreciate the notion of taking intentional time to prepare for the day and define who you want to be today. Recalibrate everyday.
Thanks.
Servant leadership comes down to putting your people first. They are your most valuable asset and you need to groom them towards becoming the future leaders.
The Community Leadership Academy in Springfield, OH teaches a curriculum built on Greenleaf’s “The Servant as Leader.” Our goal is to saturate our community with leaders who channel their leadership passions into service to others. I’m excited to add the idea of recalibrating to our advice shared. Thanks!
Definitely needed to read and hear on this difficult day ahead! Thank you for sharing.
Servant leaders seem to have the most cohesive and productive teams. Unfortunately, that approach to leadership is sometimes seen by others as soft or weak. Stick with it and the results will speak for themselves. I appreciate reading the other thoughtful comments on this topic.
Head to Heart – Heart to Habit. Servant Leadership is a skill that needs to be practiced on a regular basis. Thank you for the reminder to take time to recalibrate. This list helps me to reflect and get re-centered when needed. Patience-Kindness- Humility – Respectfulness – Selflessness – Forgiveness- Honesty – Commitment
There is no finish line to this journey!
Thank you for another insightful post!
Enter your day slowly. That’s brilliantly put and so life-changing.
I’m new to this blog and I love it! I would love a copy of this book to explore more of what type of leader I am. I believe I have heart and habits down, but there’s always room for improvement.
I’ve found through 25 years of service in the Army that Servant Leadership is an approach that is often misunderstood, especially in a culture where leadership is based on Authority of position. However, in my practice of leadership, using my heart, head, hands and habits to demonstrate the leadership approach that was me, enabled the organizations I was a part of and it’s individual members to execute the mission at a very high level, care for each other and grow as individuals and Soldiers, and to establish life long friendships.
What a nice strategy for resisting the urge to do ‘for’ others rather than ‘with’ them. This post reminds me of the importance of distributing leadership to effective collaboration. MLK Jr.’s Drum Major sermon also comes to mind: “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” Thanks for the reminder!
One of the best ways to view leadership. I learned this concept a few years ago and it has stuck with me. When you begin to think and believe the concepts around servant leadership your attitude toward work and life changes.
It’s interesting to me that the day after I tweeted one of your quotes alongside a quote from Ken Blanchard’s new book with Renee Broadwell that you write about his new book on Servant Leadership.
“If you can achieve your goals on your own, you’re reaching too low.”~@Leadershipfreak
This pairs nicely with this:
“If you lead as a servant,…you will [have] high-trust relationships & a high-trust team & [you] will reap dividends of a high-trust organization.”~@kenblanchard
@mrandrewlindsay
At this point, I think I may have shared your blog with everyone in my department! Truly appreciate starting my day with a quick think on what’s truly important – thank you.
It’s about letting the narratives of others enter into your life and leadership. Both to enrich our understanding and lives, and with the realization that it is generally futile to expect others to let us into their lives without first making the effort to let them into ours.
My approach and opinion of leadership is that you must flip your ‘Org Chart’ on it’s head. A CEO must serve his executive leadership team to enable them to serve those that they ‘lead’. This process works all the way down to the face to face and voice to voice team members who serve your customers. How can your customers receive the quality service and attention they need and deserve if we’re worried about serving up? Without service and the willingness to give, relationships seem selfish and one-sided. As they say, People quit people. You can become invincible if you take the time to care and serve those around you.
Servant leadership is a new topic of conversation in my office. I have found that being a servant leader on several different types of projects is the best way for the project to succeed. I’m sure there are some aspects I’m missing, but also interested to see how Ken puts better descriptions around what it means.
I love the idea of heart, head, hands and habits, especially if I could work out how to live that everyday with my team. I’ve just started doing a course at work about leadership and we have been encouraged to journal so I guess I’m going to need to continue that to achieve the four h’s.
Truly enjoy these daily nuggets!
Very insightful post! Doing a daily recalibration is an outstanding idea; I have a 30 minute block of time on my calendar every day to wrap up what I accomplished and to plan for what I hope to achieve tomorrow. But the idea to reflect on what went well or could have gone better is great is a great way to help put forth your very best every day.
Some church leaders find it beyond themselves to serve ie car park duty, litter picking and the other jobs that seem to belittle their egos. Anyone can stand on a pulpit looking good but it’s about having an attitude of “send me, use me, I’m sold out”
Servant leadership is what this world needs more of to bring purpose and a gentle success that is real. Can’t wait to read this new one!
I agree I have a director right now who has this quiet peace, always reminding us to make sure the important stuff of life is in order. Great thoughts! The
At its core, servant leadership is putting the needs of your people before your own. One of the biggest challenges I have at my job is the hours I put in… most of the time it’s 12 hour days, 5 days a week, plus a few hours on the weekend. I do this not because i’m bad at managing my team but i have my hands in so many things trying to get AHEAD of issues for my associates. I manage 3 teams with 20 direct reports.. I’m here for them and often try and go whatever mile it is for them so they’re in a better place.
I love the aspect of entering your day slowly. That resonates so simply that it has staying power for me.
Love my daily fix here! I’ve learned that no matter where you are in the hierarchy you can lead through serving others and get / give great results!
It is exciting to see the movement continue. As we expand the resources available, people will more easily understand how they can embody servant leadership in action. As it becomes more mainstream, we will only improve collectively as leaders. Can’t wait to digest this one!
This sounds very familiar to another book I have read….the Bible. Servants heart for Servant leadership….the gospel truth!
Servant leadership is saying the same thing twice in many ways.
Servant leadership is the optimal way to touch people’s lives. Not always easy to keep the ego at bay, but servant leadership will find positive ways to impact lives and serve others.
This is very heartfelt. As I think of what this country is going through and this world. It’s so clear to see how the human ego, greed and desire for power have overtaken the spotlight. But living out this principles can be HUGE influencers to get us back on track. Thank you for sharing this.
Very enlightening. Every member of Congress should have this as a Mandatory reading to remind them, they are to serve the American people and lead humbly. I wish I had this book in the 90’s when I was a Supervisor.
Leadership of this kind is ever so important to to eliminating the divide that exist in our country today. I am very excited to learn more of servant leadership’s framework regarding the heart, head, hands, and habit. I believe these character traits help to establish meaningful relationships while creating a more productive workplace and society. I’m excited to really dive into this masterpiece.
I try and hold these ideas close to my head and heart when I’m making decisions. A great read, thanks!
I find this concept in full alignment with our religious belief, and if all leaders embrass it, I am quite certain, the world will be a far much better place to be. This concept also breaches the gap between leaders and their team and will certainly create an acceptance feeling of each at his position. Then the learning place essential for growth among team members will become obvious.
Do the right thing always and create a work environment that encourages people to want to do difficult work activities. People will go through tough obstacles if this environment is created