In the foreword to our text, Max DePree, a well-known management guru in his own right, asks the reader to consider if in this fast-paced, knowledge-based age, servant-leadership is relevant. Most of us are familiar with the definition of leadership as inspiring others to embrace a vision and work together in order to accomplish a common goal. DePree (1995) gives us another way to look at leadership by stating that “leadership is a serious meddling in other peoples’ lives” (p. x). He also says that “what we intend to be determines what we are able to do” (DePree, 1995, p. x).
This week, as you are introduced to the definition of servant-leadership, and read essays that provide examples of the servant-leadership experience, consider DePree’s two statements previously mentioned about the impact a leader can have on those that follow, in the context of today’s global and technological organizational environment. Start your discussion by providing your opinion on the relevance of the servant-leadership style in the 21st century. Then review the ten characteristics of a servant-leader that Spears identifies in the Introduction of our text: listening; empathy; healing; awareness; persuasion; conceptualization; foresight; stewardship; commitment to the growth of people and building community. Discuss those characteristics that you feel are most important for you to consider in order for you to become a servant-leader. Please provide professional examples of role models if possible.