Each month AWARE’s leadership team comes together in-person to collaborate and coordinate across service lines, connect and learn from one another and model an effective organizational culture. During each meeting, the team sets aside time to explore ideas from thought leaders across varying industries within the context of our own programs and services. They have embraced the concept “leaders are readers” and are enthusiastic about continuous learning, growth and development.
Last month, we gave you some insight into the books our leadership team has spent time reading, and as promised, we’re going to spend the next few months diving into details and concepts from each.
First up is Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf.
While this book was first published 25 years ago, the principles are still relevant today. This was one of the first books the leadership team sat down to read together. The book hinges on the concept of leaders being “servants-first,” meaning a mindset that empowers and uplifts those around them. The ultimate goal of a servant leader is to help people develop into the best version of themselves.
It’s a practice that most likely sounds familiar because it runs parallel to our own mission. At our core, AWARE exists to help people live independently. We achieve this by supporting people and allowing them to reach their fullest potential.
While talking through the book, some keywords and phrases stood out.
Respect. Accountability. Trust. Ability to be vulnerable.
These are all things that are easy to say, but they all take a great deal of thought to put into practice. Each of these is an area we can all improve on. It takes active listening, the kind where all opinions matter (whether you agree or not), before moving forward with a decision. It takes patience, but it’s worth it.
Servant leaders are able to go beyond the status quo. They fully support their teams and help them continuously stretch their limits. Together, they go beyond what is just within reach, fulfilling their mission to the greatest extent possible.
What do you think the world would look like if everyone practiced servant leadership? We can only imagine the possibilities. So, how are you going to incorporate this concept into your life and those around you?
Have you read any great leadership books? We’d love to know what you’re reading! Let us know by sending an email to bhiggins@aware-inc.org.
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