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Unleashing the Power of Servant Leadership

With

Chad Eudy

Tomoya Nakamura

April 14, 2023

Servant Leadership

There's more to leadership than driving a team to profit. In fact, there's a word for looking beyond self-interest to prioritize individual growth: servant leadership. Try this course for a quick breakdown of what that is, how it works, and how it can lead to organizational success.

Leadership with Passion through Kokorozashi

The key ingredient to success? Passion.

Finding your kokorozashi will unify your passions and skills to create positive change in society. This GLOBIS Unlimited course will help you develop the values and lifelong goals you need to become a strong, passion-driven leader.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of compassionate and people-oriented leadership. Servant leadership, coined by Robert K Greenleaf, is a type of leadership that aims to empower employees by prioritizing their needs and fostering a positive work environment.

But what is servant leadership, how do you practice it, and how can it benefit your organization? Mr. Chad Eudy, Senior Vice President of Leadership Development at FHI, explained at a GLOBIS USA seminar.

During the seminar, Mr. Eudy taught attendees the principles of servant leadership, and provided insights into how this leadership philosophy can promote long-term success and create a community where employees feel valued. He also had a dialogue with GLOBIS USA President Tomoya Nakamura about how servant leadership can help people find, define and pursue their Kokorozashi, or personal mission.

Leadership with Passion through Kokorozashi

The key ingredient to success? Passion.

Finding your kokorozashi will unify your passions and skills to create positive change in society. This GLOBIS Unlimited course will help you develop the values and lifelong goals you need to become a strong, passion-driven leader.

Below is a partial transcript of the seminar, edited for clarity.

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The Essence of Servant Leadership

Chad Eudy: I often think about certain people and leaders who possess qualities I believe are characteristic of servant leadership. These individuals are selfless, motivated by a desire and passion to serve others unconditionally and unselfishly.

Examples that come to mind are Mother Theresa and my elementary school principal, Jack Walters, both of whom were selfless in their service to others.

Servant leaders are self-aware, share common interests and goals with others, and make people feel wanted and cared for.

Servant Leadership

There's more to leadership than driving a team to profit. In fact, there's a word for looking beyond self-interest to prioritize individual growth: servant leadership. Try this course for a quick breakdown of what that is, how it works, and how it can lead to organizational success.

They are secure, possess a sense of security that allows them to serve others, and know their position without feeling the need to flaunt it. They are conscious of people, not positions, and are there to give hope, security, and encouragement.

What is Servant Leadership?

Eudy: A good definition of a servant leader is one that leverages their leadership for those they have been entrusted to serve and not for their own sake.

Servant leadership is not about what you will gain, but what you will give. As Chuck Wall once said, “you give people what they want, you’ll get what you want.” This means providing love, care, respect, honor, and a voice.

Unfortunately, the problem today is that most leadership lessons taught in universities, business schools, and in 99% of books written on leadership focus on the top-down conventional leadership model.

This model emphasizes titles, profits, and promotions, and is self-serving. In contrast, the unconditional servant leadership model, which I believe to be more meaningful and fulfilling, is centered on people, relationships, and significance.

The conventional model is about leading with your head, whereas the ‘unconventional’ servant leadership model is about leading with your heart. This is not to say that education and good decision-making aren’t important; rather, it emphasizes that conventional leadership often results in self-centered, insecure leaders who abuse their power rather than using it for the greater good. Servant leaders understand that they are serving human beings, not ‘human doings.’

I have seen people who have worked for conventional leaders leave work mentally broken, stressed out, and even witnessed families torn apart because of a self-centered, insecure leader who abused their power. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing I had been the source of someone’s mental breakdown or contributed to a broken home or failed marriage.

It’s essential to recognize the value of servant leadership and its emphasis on serving human beings rather than focusing on titles and promotions.

Seven Principles of Servant Leadership

Eudy: I want to share with you seven principles of servant leadership that I’ve tried to model, which have made my life and leadership more meaningful. I hope you can apply these principles to your life and leadership roles.

First, servant leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. They genuinely care about the people they lead and their personal lives. By doing so, they build trust and loyalty.

Second, servant leaders are less focused on promotions and more focused on people, as they understand that relationships drive results. They prioritize getting to know their team members and what motivates them.

Third, servant leaders know their people by their name, not just their employee number. They remain connected to those they serve, even as they climb the ladder of success.

Fourth, servant leaders hold their people accountable. They are not soft on their team members but rather want them to be successful and find meaning in their work.

Fifth, servant leaders put service above self. They commit their lives to a cause greater than themselves.

Sixth, servant leaders choose to serve; they cannot be made to be servant leaders. They choose this leadership style because it is fulfilling and meaningful.

Last, servant leaders stoop to serve rather than stand in demand. They prioritize the needs of others and are humble in their approach.

Embracing a Lifestyle of Service and Purpose

Eudy: In conclusion, servant leadership is not a lesson you learn; it is a lifestyle you live. Experiences rather than education equip individuals for a more meaningful and fulfilling life through servant leadership.

When you find an organization that aligns with your purpose, life becomes more meaningful. So, what is your personal mission? Everyone can be great because anybody can serve. To make life more meaningful, step outside your comfort zone, find your purpose, and serve others.