Thanks, Sally for leading this week.
Excellent title you gave your post. It seems that as we look at the characteristics of a TSL leader one should personally embody this style of leadership. You did well to say that there is “no alternative” than to use TSL.”
“This need transcends the system of education in any country and can only be truly filled through the TSL path which prepares people to face challenges, develop consistent flexibility, and continually build strong relationships through mutual trust, respect, and reliability.” (Hinksman, 2018, paras. 2) I would like to high light “education in any country” since I believe we are entering a global education era and the need to implement TSL regardless of the country is a must. One has only to be aware that in some cultures, TSL will be initially much more challenging to implement. For example, in Latin America, the current styles of leadership being implement are the opposite of the servant-leadership model (McIntosh & Irving, 2008, p. 4). We still struggle with the idea of a leader being a chief and a dictator. The people that are currently in leadership grew up during the Stroessner dictatorship which ended in 1989. Just yesterday, while teaching my leadership class in high school, I told students they were a generation that was already born after Stroessner’s dictatorship. It is an excellent opportunity for us to do something different and incorporate TSL into their mind frame.
Another observation that I would like to high light from your blog is, “a servant leader is not someone who is weak (my underline) and unable to lead others in a common direction.” Amaral (2007) says that in Brazil, while a pastor was implementing the servant leadership model, the members of the congregation believed that their leader’s ability to influence had declined (as cited in McIntosh & Irving, 2008, p.9). I can say that I have been experiencing the same which, sometimes, forces the leader to fall back into other styles of leadership. It will take some time to convince followers of the benefits of TSL.
Blessings,
Reference:
McIntosh, T. A., Irving, J. A., & Seminary, B. (2008). Evaluating the Instrumento de Contribucion al Liderazgo de Siervo (ICLS) for reliability in Latin America. Servant Leadership Roundtable at Regent University, Virginia Beach.
Your response regarding TSL in other countries raises and interesting notion, Marcelo. Is TSL more of a North American ideal? Does it transfer well to other countries where the cultural norms predetermine a style of leadership which people come to expect? You mentioned that trying to institute a more TSL model of leadership didn’t go as smoothly as the theory sounds like it will. When you need to fall back on a more hierarchical style of leadership for a time, is it due to daily process or when more unusual situations arise at your school? It would seem appropriate for staff at a Christian school to recognize the TSL strategies as emulating Christ’s example. Which cultural expectations are the biggest stumbling blocks to leading your school in a TSL manner, Marcelo?
Sally
Hi Sally!
Falling back occasionally into more hierarchical forms of leadership is sometimes just part of the daily process. Paraguayans have been conditioned by a long history of dictatorships, the last one lasted 35 years and ended in 1989. Besides, the native Guarani culture adds to this style of leadership. Paraguay is heavily influenced by the Guarani culture. The Gospel can sometimes have a different flavor here in Paraguay. Leaders are seen as strong authoritative leaders. Many people like to be told what to do. They don{t mind it at all. But I am trying to tell them that it can be much more enjoyable when they participate and share the responsibilities.