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Chapter 1 What is a Servant Leader?How often do we actually stop and think about what makes a good leader? We are quick to criticise andfind fault with those in leadership positions but would not necessarily be willing to stand in their place.Australian culture, sadly I believe, often seeks to find the weakness rather than praise what is good. Whoamongst would say or admit that we worked for a good boss? A favoured past-time of many Australianworkers is to ridicule the boss. Perhaps this is because many people in leadership positions aremanagers and not leaders, or not the leader that people would willingly choose to follow.The question before us then is, what is a servant leader? The term is used regularly in Christian circlesbut is not well understood. Indeed, what constitutes a good leader? What qualities should they have? Arethese qualities inherited or can they be learned? These questions need to be explored to identify theprinciples of leadership which will form the basis of the program.

Community UnderstandingBefore we answer those questions it is useful to gain an appreciation of what our own community, thecommunity of Burgmann, presently believe about these questions of leadership. To find out a survey wassent out for interested students, staff and parents to complete.The response rate was disappointing with a total of 27 students and staff (no parents) completing the

survey. This may reflect a number of things including a lack of time, a lack of interest or a lack ofunderstanding of the notion of leadership. It may indicate that a program of leadership has to include notonly leadership opportunities but also clear teaching about leadership itself. Of the people who chose toidentify themselves in the survey, the majority I would classify as being either in positions of leadership orhaving leadership potential; this was also reflected in the answers they provided.The first question looked at the qualities of a good leader (see table 1).Table 1What makes a good leader?

Student Response [sic]They have to not be self centered but do what others want as well as what they want.They have to listen to there followers and put others before themselves.

Someone who is confident with themselves and their beliefs but not cocky about it.The ability to give fair orders, recognise better ideas from others, listening to everyones opinion equallyA good leader is someone that can help and guide others. This person is someone that is confident in what

they do and are glad to share what they know with others.I think that a good leader would be someone who can set a good example for others, listens and cares aboutraised issues and treats people the way they would like to be treated (equally) they don't abuse their"power"

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Good people skills and a happy personSomeone that can relate to others well.A person who can manage and guide people under them and listen to what others have to say. they cantake criticism from others and think about why this may happen. they are confident with what they do andare aren't scared to speak out.Someone who can take control of a group, make informed decisions, organise things, they should also be

understanding, patient and fair.

Has good spirit and encourages others to persuvae them in doing things in a friendly warmSomeone who cares for their followers; someone who thinks in perspective and treats everyone fairly;someone who is patient and honest to everyone. They have initiative and good ideas and always up for achallenge. they set a good example and people look up to them.Staff response [sic]Confident, sympathetic, open to changing personal ideas/systems in view of new ones presented by others.Acknowledges good ideas Ability to put themselves in others shoes. Stands firm on important issues flexibleon others.

I believe a good leader is someone that others choose to follow.A good leader is someone who can recognise the importance of the people that are working for them, and toacknowledge their efforts.

A good leader appreciates the role of those being led, and is able to uplift them by example, commitmentand enthusiasm. Leaves a legacy of good leadership for others to aspire to and follow.A good leader is someone who has empathy, excellent social skills, the ability to enthuse and inspire people,is organised, is approachable and above all has a sense of purpose and direction.

Someone who has the ability to devise a vision and act on it, bringing out the strengths in his or her team. Aleader should model a servant attitude.A good leader is a person with a high level of personal integrity and self-awareness that allows for aninsightful attitude towards those under his/her leadership. A good leader is a thoughtful and firm decisionmaker who is able to see the bigger picture without losing sight of the smaller details of people's lives. Agood leader is willing to serve others to enable the collaborative achievement of goals. A good leader is acareful and empowering delegator as well as a responsible manager.Someone who cares about the strengths and needs of those they are leading. Who is strong and grounded,

though flexible when necessary. Who copes well under pressure.

The responses provided, while few in number, display a good understanding of leadership and inparticular, servant leadership. A pertinent statement was made by a staff member, a good leader issomeone that others choose to follow.

Respondents were also asked to provide the qualities thatshould typify a good leader. Words provided included:

Quality

Number of responses

Honesty (sincerity, trustworthy,integrity)Approachable (open-minded, friendly)ConfidenceCommitted (dedicated, loyal)Cheerful (optimistic, hopeful)Respect (acknowledges individuals)Innovative (creative, visionary)Kind (caring, compassionate,thoughtful)ListenerHardworking (energetic)

FairCourage (brave)Enthusiasm (passionate)CommunicatorEmpathyInspiringFlexible

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IntelligentSense of HumourPatienceDecision makerTeam BuilderStrongGoal orientatedDeterminedForesightForgivingHumilityInitiative

OrganisedSelf-awareSelf-controlPersonal maturityWise

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