The ServantA Simple Story About the True Essence of LeadershipThe author explains that the principle behind effective
Leadership is based on the interplay ofresponsibility, respect, and care, by citing words of wisdom from philosophers and writers.He starts with explainig the difference between power and authority and how exercising too much of power is counter productive.The book lists the following as the qualities of a servant leader. • Patient - showing self-control.• Kind - giving attention, appreciation, and encouragement.• Humble - being authentic without pretense or arrogance.• Respectful - treating others as important people.• Selfless - meeting the
needs of others.• Forgiving - giving up resentment when wronged.• Honest - being free from deception.• Committed - sticking to your choices.All these behaviors entail you to serve and sacrifice for others, which meanssetting aside your own wants and needs to focus on the legitimate needs of others.The author tells us that there are four stages of learning new leadership skills:•
stage One: Unconscious and UnskilledThis initial stage is where you have yet to identify which
habit or skill it isyou want to learn.• Stage Two: Conscious and UnskilledThis is the stage when you become aware of the behavior you want tolearn, but are unskilled for you have not taken the first steps to
learn how to do so.• Stage Three: Conscious and SkilledThis is the stage when you have begun to master
good leadership skills.During this stage, however, you still think about how to act as it is not yetan ingrained habit.• Stage Four: Unconscious and SkilledThis last stage is when you practice being a good
Leader as if it''s yoursecond nature, thus enabling you to easily function as a leader and you have finally mastered the habits of patience, kindness,humility, respectfulness, selflessness, forgiveness, honesty, andcommitment.In the ending part of the book the author talks about the rewards of being a leader.A recommended read for those aspiring to be a true leader.
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