The story I selected happens to be the first one in the book, “The Secret of Happiness is Something to Do” written by John Burroughs. In this passage John Burroughs shares his conviction that happiness comes from doing work that one loves, that keeps one busy and content, and that gives one’s life purpose and direction (Watson, 1951).
According to Northouse, ‘expert power’ is based upon followers’ perceptions of a leader’s competence, and it “increases a leader’s capacity to influence the attitudes, values or behaviours of others” (p. 11). One of the characteristics of Servant Leaders conceptualized by Greenleaf is that they are committed to helping each person in the organization grow personally and professionally (Northouse, 2016). The leadership lesson that I see in this reading is that a natural love for one’s work and a desire to share that passion with others can give rise to emergent leadership through mentoring relationships. This is exactly where I find myself at this stage in my career. I have been blessed to have found an occupation that not only occupies my time but gives me purpose and meaning, and I have a strong desire to share my knowledge and experience with less experienced teachers to help them to become passionate, expert teachers as well. My desire to build and support my fellow colleagues does not arise from a desire to showcase my knowledge and skills, but rather, to demonstrate authentic, transformational servant leadership.
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: theory and practice (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Watson, L. E. (Ed). (1979). Light from many lamps. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.