The Power of Benevolent and Servant Leaders

Molly Floding

Table of ContentsWhy care & be nice?Attitude determines your altitudeHow to be a Benevolent LeaderBe a “Nice” LeaderServant Leadership

Why should I care?People don’t care how much you

know until they know how much you care.

John C. Maxwell

Why bother being nice?Nice is luckier in loveNice makes more moneyNice spends less time in courtNice opens doorsNice improves relationshipsNice helps you sleep

Thaler, L. K., & Koval, R. (2006). The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World With Kindness. New York: Crown Business.

Attitude Determines Your AltitudeDevelop a thankful spiritGuard your associationsFocus on serving othersStay activeHave a purpose

Woodward, O. (2011, May 5). Attitude Determines Your Altitude. Retrieved July 3, 2011, from The Social Leader: http://www.thesocialleader.com/2011/05/attitude_determines_altitude

Success is…Success is going from one failure

to another with no loss in enthusiasm.

Winston Churchill

How to be a Benevolent LeaderUnderstand Benevolence

◦A kind attitude◦Employee involvement◦Listen and consider others

Write down values and goals◦Remember where you came from◦Remember where you are going

How to be a Benevolent LeaderWe are all human

◦Set attainable goals◦Do not discourage – Encourage

instead

Lead with confidence but don’t be a doormat◦Believe in your own abilities◦Know when to be assertive and when

to be gentle

Benevolent Leadership ExampleAbraham Lincoln

◦Build Alliances◦Walk among the people◦Persuasion not coercion◦Lead by being led

“You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence”

Miller, D. (1992). Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times. New York: Warner Books, Inc.

Being a “Nice” LeaderTrust for leaders based in

perceived benevolence can be acquired through a few key behaviors:◦Recognition◦Community Spirit◦Focus on the Team

Heys, M. (2011, April 29). Increase Trust: Benevolent Leadership. Retrieved July 2, 2011, from Effective Leadership Blog: http://mackenzieheys.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/increase-trust-benevolent-leadership/

Being a “Nice” Leader – Step OneRecognize team members’

contributions◦Validate their effort and self-worth◦Rewards and acknowledgement

Heys, M. (2011, April 29). Increase Trust: Benevolent Leadership. Retrieved July 2, 2011, from Effective Leadership Blog: http://mackenzieheys.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/increase-trust-benevolent-leadership/

Being a “Nice” Leader – Step TwoBuild a spirit of community

◦Create a culture of support, teamwork, and positivity united under the same mission and values

Heys, M. (2011, April 29). Increase Trust: Benevolent Leadership. Retrieved July 2, 2011, from Effective Leadership Blog: http://mackenzieheys.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/increase-trust-benevolent-leadership/

Being a “Nice” Leader – Step ThreeFocus on the futures of the team

and team members◦Encourage honesty, openness, and

transparency◦Foster growth and learning

opportunities for everyone◦Develop a knowledgeable, capable, and

well-functioning group

Heys, M. (2011, April 29). Increase Trust: Benevolent Leadership. Retrieved July 2, 2011, from Effective Leadership Blog: http://mackenzieheys.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/increase- trust-benevolent-leadership/

What is Servant Leadership?Sitting down, Jesus called the

Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

Mark 9:35 (The Holy Bible)

Servant Leadership ExampleGary Kelly – CEO, Southwest Airlines

◦Kelly said he strives to balance three important areas of focus for the company Low cost Customer service A focus on people

"God gave us two ears and one mouth, leaders need to know when to listen and respond.“

Mueller, T. (2009, October 8). Southwest Airlines CEO Kelly on LUV, Leadership and Employee and Customer Satisfaction. Retrieved July 2, 2011, from McCombs Today: http://mccombstoday.org/2009/10/southwest-airlines-ceo-kelly-on-luv-leadership-and-employee-and-customer-satisfaction

SummaryBeing Nice makes your life and

job easierGreat attitude=higher altitudeBenevolent and “Nice” Leaders

put others first

References Heys, M. (2011, April 29). Increase Trust: Benevolent Leadership.

Retrieved July 2, 2011, from Effective Leadership Blog: http://mackenzieheys.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/increase-

trust-benevolent- leadership/ Miller, D. (1992). Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for

Tough Times. New York: Warner Books, Inc. Mueller, T. (2009, October 8). Southwest Airlines CEO Kelly on LUV,

Leadership and Employee and Customer Satisfaction. Retrieved July 2, 2011, from McCombs Today: http://mccombstoday.org/2009/10/southwest-airlines-ceo-kelly-on-luv- leadership-and-employee-and-customer-satisfaction

Thaler, L. K., & Koval, R. (2006). The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World With Kindness. New York: Crown Business.

Woodward, O. (2011, May 5). Attitude Determines Your Altitude. Retrieved July 3, 2011, from The Social Leader: http://www.thesocialleader.com/2011/05/attitude_determines_altitude