Harold Waterman Servant Leadership Essay

In this reading, Harold Waterman explains what servant leadership is and how it enhances practice in health/social care. To begin, “the concept of ‘servant’ is laden with symbolism that infers a state of being under the will of others or of giving selflessly” (Waterman, 2011, p. 24). “The term ‘servant leadership’ in its modern context was developed by Robert Greenleaf (1977), but the idea can be traced to antiquity and is associated with a range of religious beliefs. Religious practice has often centred on ‘service to others’ but, as societies have developed, the concept of service has become associated more with corporate values and consumerism. Greenleaf (1977) suggests that caring for others has moved from personal involvement to becoming
25). “Servant leaders stand out in their willingness to serve and value others without rancour or the need to be defensive, even if provoked. Their sole interest is in developing those whom they lead and those with whom they collaborate” (Waterman, 2011, p. 25). “Characteristics of servant leadership include: listening empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to people’s development, and building community” (Waterman, 2011, p. 25). Waterman concludes that “Servant leadership emphasises the importance of providing high quality services by releasing leaders from quality checklists. This ensures that clients and their relevant others are treated with respect and compassion because services relate to both individuals and the surrounding communities” (Waterman, 2011, p. 26). This reading is important because “the concept of service takes [nurses] back to [their] roots and reminds [them] about what [they] do and for whom [they] do it, namely, patients and community” (Waterman, 2011, p.