Servant Leadership, A concept made for Kiwanis
The phrase “Servant Leadership” was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in his essay, The Servant as Leader first, published in 1970. In that essay Mr. Greenleaf said:
“The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual drive or to acquire material possessions… The leader- first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature.”
One word comes to my mind when I think about servant-first leaders. That word is Care. Servant-first leaders take care to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served. In practical terms, Kiwanis servant leader’s primary concern is to help others succeed and grow. They recognize that by putting others first, they too will be successful.
Our Distinguished criteria for clubs, divisions, and districts are based on this principle. To be distinguished, leaders must not only inspire but also help others be successful. I believe Kiwanis can develop these leaders because caring is part of our service DNA.
Sylvester Neal
Kiwanis International Vice President
Sylvester Neal
Kiwanis International Vice President