A reflection on Ten Characteristics of Effective, Caring Leaders:  By Larry C. Spears

Servant leadership seeks to involve others in decision making, which is strongly based on ethical and caring behavior, and enhances the growth of workers while improving the caring and quality of organizational life. (Spears, L.C 2010).

There is a growing need to understand the nature of character and character education as the common understanding is that character has much to do with the traits exhibited by individuals. Researchers have spent a significant amount of time looking at the correlation between a leader’s character and the traits needed to be effective. Spears (2010) presented ten characteristics which he notes as being critical for servant leadership to be effective. They are, “listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and building community. In essence, these are deep structures of personality that are particularly resistant to change.

There has been a shift in the way leadership is viewed in the organization since Greenleaf introduced the concept of servant leadership over three decades ago. Servant leadership seeks to focus on bring others to the discussion making table, while being ethical and caring, & at the same time growing the worker.

As team leaders engage the leadership classroom on a day to day basis to formulate and execute their plan. I want to suggest 2-3 of the characteristics suggested to be considered when coordinating projects within a team.

The first characteristic is listening. While this is important, the leader must be able to actively listen to those he /she leads. Its important as the leader will need to be able to capture the thoughts spoken and unspoken in an attempt to guide the team to a place of comfort and result. Which ultimately growths the team – both the leader and those being led.

Secondly, Conceptualization, the ability to see the big picture and to capture, and translate it into realities. Servant leaders are required to balance the spectrum of being a conceptualizer and an operationally driven person. Both elements work together to move the team forward.

And finally, as cited and defined Peter Block (1993)—author of Stewardship and The Empowered Manager—has defined stewardship as “holding something in trust for another”. (Spears 2010). The servant leader needs to own the process and become faithful in seeing this through. The leader becomes a steward for those that are a part of the team – serving their need. This resonates with those being led as the leader openly expresses servanthood.

In closing, Spears (2010) was very clear about the ten characteristics and we could have addressed any of the ten as they are all important. Jesus made the statement that he didn’t come to be served but to serve others. When we decide to serve others, it becomes easier to openly engage the team, transparency is seen which can create an environment where the community can grow and thrive.

####Reference

Spears, Larry C. (2010) Character and Servant Leadership: Ten Characteristics of Effective, Caring Leaders. The Journal of Virtues & Leadership, Vol. 1 Iss. 1, 2010, 25-30.