Characteristically similar when conceptualization servant leadership, having a conversation with another about their goals, interests and professional development must begin with an honest willingness to proportional engage the other via a 2:1 ratio – with two ears and one mouth. In the context of a coaching conversation, listening is key; however, I really like the structure of query that Dan Rockwell (2017) uses in breaking down specific questions, assigning them numbers in rank of what can be achieved based upon “specific observable actionable behaviours”. Unfortunately, followers are not always receptive to an intentional and strategic approach when supporting personal development; however, for James, a man who just like a blacksmith with his anvil and a hammer, really understands good timing in knowing when to intentionally strike the hearts and minds of those he leads.
Similar to the blacksmith’s technique, curing enhanced performance while the iron is hot is central to James’ approach. At his best, James performs well when he engages those he leads from a position that helps them articulate the ‘why’ in the big picture first. The keen awareness, empathy and stewardship that James clearly demonstrates pales in comparison to the premium he places on “treating each follower as unique person with intrinsic value” (Northouse, 2016, p. 228). Throughout his career and service to his faith community, James is not afraid to tackle worthy causes especially those surrounding personal development. Through his prowess as a mentor and coach, James has been instrumental in adopting an injured ALPHA program coming alongside leadership and participant teams, restoring what was possible via his top competency of vision-casting. Through his gift of storytelling, maturity and depth of emotional intelligence, it easy to see how James uses his visioning to inspire those around him. He is an accomplished public speaker and knows how to read the terrain when distraction moves him off task. When stressed, James has developed the wisdom in understanding how to navigate away from his familiar coping techniques, towards a behavioural style that is productive and useful to himself and those he leads.
At the core of his value proposition, James is a servant leader rooted from his humility, creative talents, loyalty and devotion to the development of others. His goals and objectives are clear. Through continuing studies, building like-minded networks and exploration through greater aspects of transitional servant leadership, this particular master blacksmith expects to forge many more leaders over the years to come.
Matt
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: theory and practice (Seventh ed.). Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Rockwell, D. (2017, March 5). The anatomy of performance enhancing coaching conversations. Retrieved November 2018, from Leadership Freak: https://leadershipfreak.blog/2017/03/05/the-anatomy-of-performance-enhancing-coaching-conversations/