please respond to the following discussion post as a peer making a comment. Servant leadership emphasizes the good of followers, developing followers to also become servants, and displays strong moral behavior towards followers (Northouse, 2022). Christian servant leaders have a unique advantage and understanding through the example of Jesus Christ on how to lead as a servant; Jesus Christ emphasized servitude throughout his life saying that “whoever would be first among you must be a servant of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:44-45). Christian servant leaders have a unique worldview in that we are all called to first glorify God through actions and words, place others before ourselves, uphold a higher standard of morals and ethics, and exercise specific traits and qualities, such as integrity and humility. Christian servant leaders should also show flexibility, adapting to their surroundings and situations; they must also be resilient and difficult situations, exercising love, strength, patience, and an unwavering adherence to Christian values and principles (Stasak, 2022).
Historically, specific organizations such as charities and hospitals were first established by the church and sought to operate and spread Christian morals and values; a servant leadership model may be a natural development for specific organizations or industries. While some organizations or industries may lean more towards using a servant leadership model, other organizations or businesses may greatly benefit from servant leadership as it encourages followers to engage in greater discretionary behaviors (Newman et al., 2017). Servant leadership could further benefit organizations operating under a conscious capital model through the creation of a positive culture that spreads from the organization throughout the community it serves. Servant leadership is not exclusive to the Christian faith, however, Biblical teachings and the example of Jesus Christ set the standard for servant leadership. While nonreligious individuals can be servant leaders, those that follow a faith that instills higher values, morals, and ethics, and places the service of others as a priority will be more effective servant leaders.
Resources:
Newman, A., Schwarz, G., Cooper, B., & Sendjaya, S. (2017). How Servant Leadership Influences Organizational Citizenship Behavior: The Roles of LMX, Empowerment, and Proactive Personality. Journal of Business Ethics, 145(1), 49.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-015-2827-6
Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (Ninth Edition). SAGE Publishing.
Stasak, J. (2022, May 1). 6 Qualities of a Servant Leader. Wycliffe Bible Translators.
https://www.wycliffe.org/blog/featured/6-qualities…