Examples Of Servant Leadership

The article I selected, Southwest Airlines’ Colleen Barrett Flies High on Fuel Hedging and ‘Servant Leadership’, discusses the servant leadership approach used at Southwest Airlines both in the past and present. The article touches on a number of topics, but most relevant is how effective servant leadership is for this company. The former president, Colleen Barrett, chose to continue the style of leadership begun by her predecessor and con-fonder of the company, Herb Kelleher. Their goal was to promote a collaborative and equal work environment. This servant style of leadership has greatly helped the company by creating satisfied employees and customers. Southwest Airlines exemplifies the benefits of servant leadership.
This article resonates
Model the Way: This article shows that when people in a company are treated with respect and are satisfied, they will in turn treat their customers the same way.
Inspire a Shared Vision: The article illustrates that it is much easier to inspire a shared vision when following the servant leadership theory. When people feel like they are valued and appreciated they will be more inclined to share the company’s vision. For example, the flight crews for Southwest Airlines share the company’s vision by improving their service because they are treated well by the company and so are inspired to do the same.
Challenge the Process: At Southwest Airlines, the process is constantly challenged, mostly due to servant leadership. Since the beginning they looked for ways to improve from innovative policies to unique leadership. This organization showed innovation and improvement are possible in any industry.
Enable Others to Act: Servant leadership facilitates the practice of enabling others to act, since part of the leadership theory is caring for people and building a strong society. Having strong ties between people in an organization enables them to trust each other and better themselves and the company as a