Clint Holden, MA

Servant Leadership Isn't About Serving Ice Cream

Servant leadership, a term coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in his 1970 essay "The Servant as Leader," is a leadership style that focuses on the well-being and growth of employees and other stakeholders. This approach has gained popularity in various sectors, including education. However, despite its widespread acceptance, servant leadership is often misunderstood. This article aims to clarify what servant leadership truly means for school leaders, what it does not entail, and the implications of "serving" and being a "servant" in an educational context.

SO, WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?

Servant leadership prioritizes the needs of others. School leaders who practice this style focus on the growth, development, and well-being of their staff and students. This approach contrasts with traditional leadership models that prioritize organizational goals and metrics over individual development.

Key characteristics of servant leadership include:

Empathy & Listening: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others by valuing and openly seeking the input of staff and students.
Healing: Helping to resolve conflicts and fostering a sense of community.
Awareness: Being attuned to the needs and emotions of others.
Persuasion: Using influence rather than authority to lead.
Conceptualization: Having the ability to envision and communicate a broader vision.
Foresight: Anticipating future consequences and acting proactively.
Stewardship: Taking responsibility for the well-being of the school and its members.
Commitment to the Growth of People: Investing in the personal and professional development of staff and students.
Building Community: Creating a sense of belonging and togetherness.
Doing What Needs to Be Done: Pitching in to help, covering for an absent staff member, or stepping up when no one else is around to ensure that necessary tasks are completed.

PRINCIPAL SMITH SETS THE EXAMPLE

The Flooded Toilets

Principal Smith is the principal of Higher Grounds School, and he discovers that the toilets are flooding. The janitorial staff is nowhere to be found, and the situation is quickly escalating. Without hesitation, Principal Smith springs into action, donning rubber gloves, grabbing a plunger, and a mop. At that moment, addressing the immediate crisis becomes his most essential function. By taking on this task, Principal Smith not only resolves a pressing issue but also demonstrates to his staff and students that no job is too small and that he are willing to do whatever it takes to maintain a positive and safe environment.

The Overwhelmed Teacher

Another day, a teacher has had a particularly rough morning. Personal stress combined with challenging classroom dynamics has left them visibly drained and on the verge of burnout. Recognizing their distress, Principal Smith steps in and offers to take over their duties or classes for the afternoon, allowing them to go home and rest. This act of kindness and support not only helps the teacher recover but also sends a powerful message about the importance of self-care and community support within the school.

MISCONCEPTIONS ARE LURKING

Despite its name, servant leadership does not imply subservience or weakness. Here are some common misconceptions:

It’s Not About Being a Doormat: Servant leaders are not passive or submissive. They make tough decisions, hold people accountable, and set high standards.
It’s Not About Avoiding Authority: While servant leaders use persuasion and empathy, they still exercise authority when necessary. They lead by example and inspire others to follow.
It’s Not Just About Being Nice: Servant leadership is not merely about being kind or accommodating. It's about making decisions that benefit the school, staff, and students, even if those decisions are difficult or unpopular.
It’s Not Incompatible with High Performance: Servant leaders drive results and foster high performance. They create environments where people feel valued and motivated, leading to better educational outcomes.
It’s Not Limited to Nonprofits or Social Enterprises: Although servant leadership is common in mission-driven organizations, it is equally applicable in educational settings where staff engagement and student success are critical.
It’s Not About Serving Ice Cream: Servant leadership isn’t about fulfilling every desire or whim of staff and students. It's not about serving ice cream to please everyone but about fostering an environment where people can thrive and grow, even if it means making tough calls.

DEFINING "SERVING" & "SERVANT"

Serving in the context of school leadership means prioritizing the needs of staff and students over personal ambitions. It involves being responsive, supportive, and proactive in addressing the needs and concerns of the school community. Serving also means creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work.

A servant in leadership is someone who leads by example, showing humility, integrity, and a genuine concern for the welfare of others. They seek to understand the strengths and aspirations of their staff and students and help them achieve their goals. Servants in leadership roles are guides and mentors, facilitating growth and fostering a culture of trust and respect.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Servant leadership is a powerful and transformative approach to school leadership that emphasizes the importance of serving others. However, it’s crucial to understand that servant leadership isn't about serving ice cream or simply making everyone happy. It challenges conventional leadership models by placing the well-being and development of staff and students at the forefront. By understanding what servant leadership truly entails—and what it does not—school leaders can create more inclusive, motivated, and high-performing educational environments. As Robert K. Greenleaf stated, "The servant-leader is servant first... It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first." This philosophy, when applied correctly, can lead to profound positive changes in any school.

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Servant leadership, a term coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in his 1970 essay The Servant as Leader, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the needs of others and fostering a supportive environment for growth and development. This leadership style is especially relevant in educational settings, where the well-being of staff and students is paramount.¹

¹ Robert K. Greenleaf, The Servant as Leader (Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, 1970). Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. Greenleaf Center, Seton Hall University, Presidents Hall 4A, 400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079.

Authored by Clint Holden