One of the powerful ways to build momentum in building a culture of servant leadership within an organization is to learn from others. Sharing stories about people exhibiting great servant leadership behaviors at every opportunity is a super way to emphasize the importance of this type of behavior.
This can be done in any number of ways but the key is to get intentional about noticing these positive behaviors, and then make it a point to highlight them. Starting every meeting with a servant leadership story that recognizes people for their efforts for these behaviors, is a great way to keep the focus in this area and build the environment you are looking to build.
Positive impact from servant leadership stories might include:
- People that have been highlighted will be encouraged and lifted up
- Team members will understand how important servant leadership is to you as the leader and to the organization
- Learning will take place by those hearing the stories
- It will encourage others to emulate those servant leadership behaviors
Along these lines, I would like to get some active participation going from readers of this blog and ask you to submit “Servant Leadership Sightings”.
We will start this process on comments to this blog, but if it gets popular enough I will start a section on Triune Leadership Services’ web site to house a constant spot for people to submit sightings and examples of servant leaders so that everyone can learn from these positive examples. Naming names is optional, but certainly not discouraged, as it would also be an avenue for others to compliment these leaders on their great work.
So I will start. All true servant leaders have a never-ending desire for self-development. This week I started a new Servant Leadership Roundtable Group in Marshall, MN. We have 26 leaders that have raised their hands and said they want to improve their understanding of servant leadership and look to Jesus as the ultimate model for leadership. I would like to recognize each of them for their heart and passion for wanting to learn more in this area and develop themselves to be that much more effective in serving those people that they lead.
I encourage you to post your examples of “Servant Leadership Sightings” so that everyone can learn from these stories and we can recognize people that are modeling the values of servant leadership.
Mark Deterding
One by one, little by little, we will show we are Christians by our love, by our love, we will show we are Christians by our love. You walk the walk Mark, so my first “Servant Leadership Sighting” is of you! You have done this for years and are now more focused on showing others your Christian love. Awesome!
Hi Mark, Just a few weeks ago, many members, past members and constiuents of the Clotho United Methodist Church came together to be Servant Leaders when putting on our annual homemade ice cream social. We served over 800 people 100 gallons of homemade ice cream! I am so proud of my two children, Grant & Molly, and their spouses for keeping that weekend open every year to come back and help out. So in this writing, they are my Servant Leadership Sightings! What an outreach event this is, right in Todd County! That little country church has made some great impressions on the many that come back every year for the event. It gives all of us the opportunity to show those that attend, our love for each other as well as our love for our Heavenly Father. I believe you have driven by this church more than once, Mark!
P.S. Molly called tonight and said, ‘Hey Mom, I see Mark is starting a Servant Leadership Group’ in Marshall! That’s where she lives!
Joanne,
I am humbled and honored by your very nice comments. I always felt blessed, and found it a privaledge to have the opportunity to work with and serve such an outstanding group of people at Banta. You will all always have a special place in my heart!!
Mark
Marla,
What an outstanding example of servant leadership! You should be so proud of the impact that you have had on your kids and their hearts for serving the greater good. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this story. I really appreciate it! Congratulations on the work that the all the members of the Clotho Methodist Church is doing for the people of the area.
Mark
Servant leadership is so essential for a leader. I think a great example of a servant leader is someone who gives away valuable content like an eBook or a resource that would allow you to become better. Great post.
Dan,
Thanks so much for your input on what great servant leadership looks like. I couldn’t agree with you more. Leaders who are open and always wanting to help people develop in this area are a super example of a servant leader. You model that very well with all of your great material and postings at: danblackonleadership.info.
Thanks for all you do to advance servant leadership as well!
Mark