The servant leadership (SL) approach holds the best promise for societal development. Only SL puts the interests of followers above those of the leader and the organization (Northouse, 2016; Searle & Barbuto, 2011; Smith, Montagno, & Kuzmenko, 2004). In this precis, I describe SL and compare one of its components – awareness, with emotional intelligence (EI) and self-awareness in the psychodynamic leadership approach (PLA).

SL prioritizes the interests of followers by empowering them and helping them grow in an ethical manner (Northouse, 2016). These behaviors which are influenced by the leaders’ cultural context, result in outcomes that also enrich the organization (Northouse, 2016; Searle & Barbuto, 2011; Smith, et. al, 2004). A practical example of a servant leader is the former president of Southwest Airlines, who managed a successful airline based on just what she had learned on-the-job (KnowledgeAtWharton, 2008). Smith et. al (2004), assert that although SL holds tremendous promise, it is better suited for organizations like non-profits where typically, competition is lesser and risk-taking is much reduced.

Awareness, in SL and self-awareness in PLA are considered as leadership behaviors (Dierendonck, 2011; Northouse, 2016). In contrast with EI, EI is considered a leadership trait (Northouse, 2016, p. 28).

 

Refences

Dierendonck, D.V. (2011). Servant leadership: A review and synthesis. Journal of Management, 37(4), 1228-1261. doi:10.1177/0149206310380462

 

KnowledgeAtWharton. (2008, July 9). Southwest airlines’ Colleen Barrett on ‘Servant Leadership’ . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TgR95vnM0c

Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. (7th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Quinn, R. E., & Spreitzer, G. M. (1997). The road to empowerment: Seven questions every leader should consider. Organizational Dynamics, 26(2), 37-49.

Searle, T.P., Barbuto, J.E. (2011). Servant leadership, hope, and organizational virtuousness: A framework exploring positive micro and macro behaviors and performance impact. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 18(1), 107-117. doi:10.1177/1548051810383863

Smith, B.N., Montagno, R.V., & Kuzmenko, T.N. (2004). Transformational and servant leadership: Content and contextual comparisons. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 10(4), 80-91.