James C. Hunter has written a second book on leadership, this one called "The World's Most Powerful Leadership Principle." It emphasizes the process of becoming a servant leader.
To lead is not to be "the boss," "the head honcho," or "the brass." Servant Leadership is actually a robust, revolutionary idea that can have significant impact on an organization's performance.
Servant Leadership turns bosses and managers into coaches and mentors. Hunter suggests that the Servant Leader should determine the mission, values, standards and accountability. Servant leaders do not take a poll or take a vote when it comes to these critical fundamentals. When these things are in place, the servant leader turns the structure upside down. They focus on giving employees everything they need to win, be it resources, time, guidance or inspiration. Servant leaders know that providing for people and engaging hearts and minds foster a workforce that understands the benefits of striving for the greater good. The emphasis is on building authority, not power; on exerting influence, not intimidation.
Here are some thoughts about leadership:
Just because a person can do the job well does not mean that he or she can inspire and influence others to do the job well.
I encounter far too many professionals in our educational institutions who see their roles primarily imparting book knowledge to a "bunch of kids" they don't really car much for.
It has been suggested that managers do things right while leaders do the right thing.
You do not manage people, your lead people
One of the operative words in our leadership definition is the ability to influence others for good.
John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach of UCLA had this to say about this book: "For years I have highly recommended James Hunter's first book, "The Servant," to all my friends and acquaintances. I truly believe that "The World's Greatest Leadership Principle" will be of more value to all concerned about becoming and being an effective leader."
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
THE SERVANT
"The Servant," by James C. Hunter is a simple story about the true essence of leadership. Sue heard Mr. Hunter speak at a Christian gathering some time ago. Joe Weller, Chairman and CEO of Nestle USA said "'The Servant' is an intriguing quick read that you will not be able to put down until you have experienced all of its life-changing treasures". As for myself I found it to be very inspiring.
In this absorbing tale, you watch the principles of servant leadership unfold through the story of John Daily, a businessman whose outwardly successful life is spiraling out of control. He is failing miserably in each of his leadership roles as boss, husband, father, and coach. To get his life back on track, he reluctantly attends a week-long leadership retreat at a remote Benedictine monastery.
To John's surprise, the monk leading the seminar is a former business executive and Wall Street legend. Taking John under his wing, the monk guides him to a realization that is simple yet profound: The true foundation of leadership is not power, but authority which is built upon relationships, love, service, and sacrifice. These principles don't demand special talents; they are simply based on strengthening the bonds of respect, responsibility, and caring with the people around you.
Let me share a few quotes from the book:
1. Kindness is how we act, not how we feel.
2. The greatest opportunity we have to pay attention to people is by actively listening to them.
3. Once you begin to look for people doing things right, you suddenly begin to see things you've never seen before.
4. Humility to me is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking about yourself less.
What kind of leader are you?
In this absorbing tale, you watch the principles of servant leadership unfold through the story of John Daily, a businessman whose outwardly successful life is spiraling out of control. He is failing miserably in each of his leadership roles as boss, husband, father, and coach. To get his life back on track, he reluctantly attends a week-long leadership retreat at a remote Benedictine monastery.
To John's surprise, the monk leading the seminar is a former business executive and Wall Street legend. Taking John under his wing, the monk guides him to a realization that is simple yet profound: The true foundation of leadership is not power, but authority which is built upon relationships, love, service, and sacrifice. These principles don't demand special talents; they are simply based on strengthening the bonds of respect, responsibility, and caring with the people around you.
Let me share a few quotes from the book:
1. Kindness is how we act, not how we feel.
2. The greatest opportunity we have to pay attention to people is by actively listening to them.
3. Once you begin to look for people doing things right, you suddenly begin to see things you've never seen before.
4. Humility to me is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking about yourself less.
What kind of leader are you?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
JESUS ON LEADERSHIP
C. Gene Wilkes has written a very interesting book on leadership called "Jesus on Leadership." He is a Baptist pastor in Dallas and I shared with the folks at the 2007 WAJ workshop some thoughts he had regarding "Head Table Mentality." He is an excellent writer and I recommend this book highly. Let me share a thought or two from his writing.
Jesus wants servant leaders to be follower first. Douglas K Smith has written:
"In the 21st century organization, all leaders must learn to follow if they are to successfully lead...Leaders at all levels and in all situations must pay close attention to situations in which their most effective option is to follow...not because the hierarchy demands they 'obey,' but because performance requires them to rely on the capacities and insights of other people."
Biblical leadership always begins with a God-sized mission in the form of a call by God. Leadership begins with mission. Without mission there is no need or motivation to lead. Servant leadership finds its motive from God's commissioning a person to carry out a divine plan among a group of people. Becoming servant to the mission and a follower of the God who called you is the heart of a servant leader.
Jesus teaches us that we learn to lead by learning to follow. How powerful is that from my perspective. Henry Nouwen and his coauthors observed this about Jesus' life:
"Obedience, as it is embodied in Jesus Christ, is a total listening, a giving attention with no hesitation or limitation, a being all ear. When used by Jesus, the word obedience has no association with fear, but rather is the expression of his most intimate, loving relationship. Jesus' actions and words are the obedient response to this love of his Father." A lot of pastors need to understand this.
Wilkes stated these words: "Action is the response of obedience.
Jesus wants servant leaders to be follower first. Douglas K Smith has written:
"In the 21st century organization, all leaders must learn to follow if they are to successfully lead...Leaders at all levels and in all situations must pay close attention to situations in which their most effective option is to follow...not because the hierarchy demands they 'obey,' but because performance requires them to rely on the capacities and insights of other people."
Biblical leadership always begins with a God-sized mission in the form of a call by God. Leadership begins with mission. Without mission there is no need or motivation to lead. Servant leadership finds its motive from God's commissioning a person to carry out a divine plan among a group of people. Becoming servant to the mission and a follower of the God who called you is the heart of a servant leader.
Jesus teaches us that we learn to lead by learning to follow. How powerful is that from my perspective. Henry Nouwen and his coauthors observed this about Jesus' life:
"Obedience, as it is embodied in Jesus Christ, is a total listening, a giving attention with no hesitation or limitation, a being all ear. When used by Jesus, the word obedience has no association with fear, but rather is the expression of his most intimate, loving relationship. Jesus' actions and words are the obedient response to this love of his Father." A lot of pastors need to understand this.
Wilkes stated these words: "Action is the response of obedience.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
A BOOK ON LEADERSHIP
Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, former commander of the USS Benfold in his book "Its Your Ship," provides a number of management techniques from the best ship in the Navy. The story of Captain Abrashoff and his command of the USS Benfold has become legendary inside and outside the Navy.
When Abrashoff took over as commander of that ship, a ship armed with every cutting-edge system available, it was like a business that had all the latest technology but only some of the productivity. The slogan on board the ship was "It's your ship," and Benfold was soon recognized far and wide as a model of naval efficiency.
Abrashoff's secrets of successful management include the following:
SEE THE SHIP THROUGH THE EYES OF THE CREW.
By soliciting a sailor's suggestion, Abrashoff drastically reduced tedious chores that provided little additional value.
COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE
The more Abrashoff communicated the plan, the better the crew's performance. His crew would eventually call him "Megaphone Mike," since they heard from him so often
CREATE DISCIPLINE BY FOCUSING ON PURPOSE
Discipline skyrocketed when Abrashoff's crew believed that what they were doing was important.
LISTEN AGGRESSIVELY
After learning that many sailors wanted to pursue the GI Bill, Abrashoff brought a test official aboard the ship - and held the SAT's forty miles off the Iraqui coast
Abrashoff left the Navy in 2001 and became the founder and CEO of Grassroots Leadership, Inc, in Boston. You can visit his Web site at www.grassrootsleadership.com.
Randy Etter, one of MOHELA's Board of Directors gave this book to each member of the Board. Thank you, Randy.
When Abrashoff took over as commander of that ship, a ship armed with every cutting-edge system available, it was like a business that had all the latest technology but only some of the productivity. The slogan on board the ship was "It's your ship," and Benfold was soon recognized far and wide as a model of naval efficiency.
Abrashoff's secrets of successful management include the following:
SEE THE SHIP THROUGH THE EYES OF THE CREW.
By soliciting a sailor's suggestion, Abrashoff drastically reduced tedious chores that provided little additional value.
COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE
The more Abrashoff communicated the plan, the better the crew's performance. His crew would eventually call him "Megaphone Mike," since they heard from him so often
CREATE DISCIPLINE BY FOCUSING ON PURPOSE
Discipline skyrocketed when Abrashoff's crew believed that what they were doing was important.
LISTEN AGGRESSIVELY
After learning that many sailors wanted to pursue the GI Bill, Abrashoff brought a test official aboard the ship - and held the SAT's forty miles off the Iraqui coast
Abrashoff left the Navy in 2001 and became the founder and CEO of Grassroots Leadership, Inc, in Boston. You can visit his Web site at www.grassrootsleadership.com.
Randy Etter, one of MOHELA's Board of Directors gave this book to each member of the Board. Thank you, Randy.
Monday, January 7, 2008
TIME WITH GRANDKIDS
Christmas 2007 was so special because we had all of our children and their children in our house for several days. As I have mentioned previously, out family has increased from 5 to 13 and that number can cause a disruption of daily routines. Now, that is not the largest number we have had in our home (125 FCA members from St. Charles High) but having small children and a number of new toys scattered all over every room can lead to total chaos. Houston and Hudson, both three, played very well together. Lauren and Alex paid a lot of attention to Jacob. They are so beautiful could anyone not like attention from them?
This past weekend was fun being with Jacob, Houston and Violet. Violet is so cute and when they flashed her picture on the screen at her dedication, the congregation oohed and aahhed. The boys like to wrestle with grandpa and also like for him to tickle them. Of course, that is huge fun for me. Guy and Holly purchased a basketball goal for the boys and that will be fun playing with them in Nashville as well as here in St. Charles.
MOHELA is in the process of forgiving 1.4 M in student loans of those who are in the teaching profession. That amounts to $3200 for each person identified.
Sue thinks I should share my feelings about the books I listed in the last blog and perhaps I shall start that next time.
Wednesday, I am on the way to Springfield. Some of my high school classmates are having lunch as we plan to get the class to gether in 2009. Planning starts way in advance.
Arthur Mallory and I will meet to discuss some ideas I have about a Christian school. He knows more about education than anyone I know.
Hope 2008 is off to a great start for you. GO STACEY O'HARA!!!!!!! Bring us a winner.
Thanks for the "happy birthday" messages. I certainly am appreciative of your thinking about me.
This past weekend was fun being with Jacob, Houston and Violet. Violet is so cute and when they flashed her picture on the screen at her dedication, the congregation oohed and aahhed. The boys like to wrestle with grandpa and also like for him to tickle them. Of course, that is huge fun for me. Guy and Holly purchased a basketball goal for the boys and that will be fun playing with them in Nashville as well as here in St. Charles.
MOHELA is in the process of forgiving 1.4 M in student loans of those who are in the teaching profession. That amounts to $3200 for each person identified.
Sue thinks I should share my feelings about the books I listed in the last blog and perhaps I shall start that next time.
Wednesday, I am on the way to Springfield. Some of my high school classmates are having lunch as we plan to get the class to gether in 2009. Planning starts way in advance.
Arthur Mallory and I will meet to discuss some ideas I have about a Christian school. He knows more about education than anyone I know.
Hope 2008 is off to a great start for you. GO STACEY O'HARA!!!!!!! Bring us a winner.
Thanks for the "happy birthday" messages. I certainly am appreciative of your thinking about me.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
GOOD READING FOR SERVING LEADERS
I thought I would begin the new year by sharing some books I have enjoyed on Servant-Leadership. Of course the number one book is the Bible in general and the book of Nehemiah in particular. Some other books written by outstanding authors are currently available.
THE POWER OF FOCUS by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Les Hewitt, HCI
ON BECOMING A LEADER by Warren Bennis, Addison Wesley
THE SERVANT by James C. Hunter, Crown Business
THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE, James C. Hunter, Crown Business
THE LEADERSHIP GENIUS OF JESUS, William Beausay II, Nelson
JESUS ON LEADERSHIP, C. Gene Wilkes, Tyndale
THE HEART OF A LEADER, Ken Blanchard, HB Honor
THE SERVANT LEADER Ken Blanchard U Phil Hodges, Countryman
THE SERVING LEADER Ken Jennings & John Stahl-Wert, Berrett-Oehler
FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP, Larry C. Spears & Michele Lawrence
SYNCHRONICITY, THE INNER PATH OF LEADERSHIP Joseph Jaworske, Bennett-Koehler
MEN IN LEADERSHIP, Bob Briner, Holman Reference
MORE LEADERSHIP LESSONS OF JESUS, Bob Briner & Ray Prichard, Broadman & Holman
SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN THE REAL WORLD, Kurt S. Takamine, AmErica House
THE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES WAY Jody Hoffer Gittell, McGraw Hill
THE SERVANT LEADER WITHIN Robert K Greenleaf, Paulist Press
LEAD ON John Edmund Haggai, Kobrey Press
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE Stephen R. Covey. Simon & Schuster
THE 8TH HABIT Stephen R. Covey, Free Press
LEADERSHIP Rudolph W. Giuliani, Hyperion
THE 21 IRREFUTABLE LAWS OF LEADERSHIP John C. Maxwell, Thomas Nelson
ON BECOMING A PERSON OF INFLUENCE John C. Maxwell, Thomas Nelson
DEVELOPING THE LEADERS AROUND YOU John C. Maxwell, Thomas Nelson
NOTHING TO FEAR - LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP FROM FDR Alan Axelrod, Portfolio
WHEN THE BUCK STOPS WITH YOU - HARRY TRUMAN ON LEADERSHIP Alan Axelrod, Portfolio
2008 has a lot of potential for us to develop Serving Leaders in all walks of life. All of us can be leaders even though not all of us can be CEO. To accomplish what Jesus did and continues to do is astonishing. Certainly we can learn a lot about leading from Him.
THE POWER OF FOCUS by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Les Hewitt, HCI
ON BECOMING A LEADER by Warren Bennis, Addison Wesley
THE SERVANT by James C. Hunter, Crown Business
THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE, James C. Hunter, Crown Business
THE LEADERSHIP GENIUS OF JESUS, William Beausay II, Nelson
JESUS ON LEADERSHIP, C. Gene Wilkes, Tyndale
THE HEART OF A LEADER, Ken Blanchard, HB Honor
THE SERVANT LEADER Ken Blanchard U Phil Hodges, Countryman
THE SERVING LEADER Ken Jennings & John Stahl-Wert, Berrett-Oehler
FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP, Larry C. Spears & Michele Lawrence
SYNCHRONICITY, THE INNER PATH OF LEADERSHIP Joseph Jaworske, Bennett-Koehler
MEN IN LEADERSHIP, Bob Briner, Holman Reference
MORE LEADERSHIP LESSONS OF JESUS, Bob Briner & Ray Prichard, Broadman & Holman
SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN THE REAL WORLD, Kurt S. Takamine, AmErica House
THE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES WAY Jody Hoffer Gittell, McGraw Hill
THE SERVANT LEADER WITHIN Robert K Greenleaf, Paulist Press
LEAD ON John Edmund Haggai, Kobrey Press
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE Stephen R. Covey. Simon & Schuster
THE 8TH HABIT Stephen R. Covey, Free Press
LEADERSHIP Rudolph W. Giuliani, Hyperion
THE 21 IRREFUTABLE LAWS OF LEADERSHIP John C. Maxwell, Thomas Nelson
ON BECOMING A PERSON OF INFLUENCE John C. Maxwell, Thomas Nelson
DEVELOPING THE LEADERS AROUND YOU John C. Maxwell, Thomas Nelson
NOTHING TO FEAR - LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP FROM FDR Alan Axelrod, Portfolio
WHEN THE BUCK STOPS WITH YOU - HARRY TRUMAN ON LEADERSHIP Alan Axelrod, Portfolio
2008 has a lot of potential for us to develop Serving Leaders in all walks of life. All of us can be leaders even though not all of us can be CEO. To accomplish what Jesus did and continues to do is astonishing. Certainly we can learn a lot about leading from Him.
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