The principles of servant leadership emphasize empathy, humility, and a commitment to serving the interests of employees, customers, and the community. In our opinion, however, the core principles that drive a servant leader are motivated by Love…and Love is Patient, Kind, Thankful, Humble, Respectful, Merciful and Truthful (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Therefore, the Key Principles of Servant Leadership, grounded in love, should be applied at home, at work and in the community, for Love is:
“There is need of only one thing.” (Luke 10:42)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own understanding rely not.” (Proverbs 3:5)
- Self-control: The ability to manage one’s emotions and maintain calm under pressure.
- Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining a steady course.
- Persistence: Continuously striving towards goals despite challenges and delays.
- Equanimity: Keeping a balanced and even-tempered approach in all situations.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which helps in being patient with their needs and growth.
In summary, Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. It involves the ability to manage one’s emotions and maintain calmness in challenging situations, demonstrating endurance and steadfastness over time.
“Build up and encourage one another!” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
“Let your kindness be known to all!” (Philippians 4:5)
- Compassion: A deep awareness of and sympathy for others’ suffering.
- Generosity: Willingness to give time, energy, or resources to help others.
- Warmth: Exhibiting affection, comfort, and friendliness in interactions.
- Altruism: Selflessly acting for the benefit of others.
- Benevolence: Desiring to do good and promote the happiness of others.
In summary, Kindness refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It encompasses actions and behaviors that show empathy, compassion, and a willingness to help others, often going out of one’s way to make a positive impact on someone else’s life.
“In everything, give thanks!” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
“Be very careful never to forget what you have seen God doing for you!” (Deuteronomy 4:9)
- Gratitude: Recognizing and appreciating the contributions and blessings in one’s life.
- Positivity: Maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook.
- Contentment: Finding satisfaction with what one has, rather than resenting what one lacks.
- Appreciation: Valuing and being thankful for the efforts and qualities of others.
- Mindfulness: Being present and conscious of the present moment, which fosters thankfulness.
In summary, Thankfulness is the expression of gratitude and appreciation for the people, circumstances, and material benefits in one’s life. It involves recognizing and valuing the positive aspects and contributions of others, as well as acknowledging the blessings one receives.
“I cannot do anything on my own!” (John 5:30)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13)
- Modesty: Not seeking to outshine others and acknowledging the limits of one’s abilities.
- Self-awareness: Understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Openness: Being receptive to new ideas and feedback.
- Appreciation of others: Recognizing and valuing the contributions of others.
- Simplicity: Focusing on what is necessary and valuable rather than seeking extravagance.
In summary, Humility is a modest view of one’s own importance. It’s the ability to acknowledge one’s flaws and limitations, give credit to others for their contributions, and place a greater value on others’ well-being than on one’s own ego or status.
“Love one another as I love you!” (John 15:12)
“I will not reject anyone who comes to me!” (John 6:37)
- Empathy: Understanding others’ perspectives and treating them accordingly.
- Diplomacy: Managing interactions with tact and consideration for others.
- Fairness: Treating all people equally and without prejudice.
- Civility: Politeness and courtesy in behavior and speech.
- Honor: Upholding a sense of what is right and proper in all actions.
In summary, Respectfulness is the act of showing consideration and regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, and traditions of others. It involves treating people with dignity and honor, regardless of their background, status, or beliefs, and acknowledging their worth as individuals.
“Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Be merciful!” (Luke 6:27-28; 36)
- Forgiveness: Letting go of resentment and the desire for retribution.
- Compassion: Feeling concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
- Leniency: Showing mercy and giving chances despite mistakes.
- Empathy: Sharing the feelings of another as a means of understanding their actions.
- Tolerance: Accepting and enduring differences and faults in others.
In summary, Mercy is the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one’s power to punish or harm them. It involves showing forgiveness and kindness to those who may not deserve it, offering a second chance, and alleviating suffering.
“Speak the truth in love!” (Ephesians 4:15)
“Do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 6:18)
- Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles, and consistency in actions and values.
- Honesty: Being truthful and transparent in one’s words and actions.
- Authenticity: Being genuine and real in one’s personality and interactions.
- Candor: Being open and honest in expression.
- Trustworthiness: Being reliable and dependable in truthfulness and integrity.
In summary, Truthfulness is the act of being honest and transparent in one’s words and actions. It involves communicating facts and feelings accurately, maintaining integrity, and avoiding deception, thus fostering trust and credibility in personal and professional relationships.
Servant Leadership is a leadership approach that prioritizes the well-being and development of others (at home, at work and in the community), ultimately leading to sustainable results and lasting impact through more compassionate, effective, and socially responsible leadership.
