What is servant leadership? The concept isn't new. My go to reference on the subject, "The Servant Leader", by James Autry, was published in 2001. On the subject of being a leader, Autry wrote that, "True leadership, unlike management, is not just a set of skills and learned behaviors. What you do as a leader will depend on who you are. And regardless of your own perceptions of yourself, those around you in the workplace - colleagues and employees - can determine who you are only be observing what you do. They can't see inside your head, they can't know what you think or how you feel, they can't subliminally detect your compassion or pain or joy or goodwill. In other words, the only way you can manifest your character, your personhood, and your spirit in the workplace is through your behavior." Autry's description of a servant leader suggests that leadership flows from one's personal character, and it focuses on doing well for the people in the organization and for the organization itself.  What do you think about the idea of servant leadership?  Is it happening in your workplace?  What are some examples of  servant leadership that you've implemented or experienced?

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Alison Lemke, M.A., M.P.A., CCC-SLP, CBIS
Director of Clinical SLP Education
Associate Clinical Professor
University of Colorado-Boulder
2501 Kittredge Loop Drive/409UCB
Boulder, CO 80309
Alison.Lemke@Colorado.edu
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This is a great question and I sorry I missed it when it was originally posted - thus my delayed response. I actually have made a presentation on servant leadership to one of campus student groups every other year for the past several years. It is near and dear to my heart. And I agree with Autry's take...servant leadership is a reflection and expression of one's character with a focus on advancing the mission of the organization and the people who comprise it. It is working for the common good and setting an example for others to emulate.

In my workplace (university) I see it much more in our clinic than in the academic program. Clinical folks just seem to "get it." Servant leadership (via supervision) is why they do what they do. Many could be making much more money in the private sector, but their desire to be a role model and lead students forward in their career provides them with incentives that far exceed the almighty dollar.

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Chip Hahn, MS, AuD, CCC-A/SLP
Associate Clinical Professor
Director of Audiology Education
NSSLHA Chapter Advisor
Miami University
hahnac@miamioh.edu
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-10-2022 01:06 PM
From: Alison Lemke
Subject: What is "Servant Leadership"?

What is servant leadership? The concept isn't new. My go to reference on the subject, "The Servant Leader", by James Autry, was published in 2001. On the subject of being a leader, Autry wrote that, "True leadership, unlike management, is not just a set of skills and learned behaviors. What you do as a leader will depend on who you are. And regardless of your own perceptions of yourself, those around you in the workplace - colleagues and employees - can determine who you are only be observing what you do. They can't see inside your head, they can't know what you think or how you feel, they can't subliminally detect your compassion or pain or joy or goodwill. In other words, the only way you can manifest your character, your personhood, and your spirit in the workplace is through your behavior." Autry's description of a servant leader suggests that leadership flows from one's personal character, and it focuses on doing well for the people in the organization and for the organization itself.  What do you think about the idea of servant leadership?  Is it happening in your workplace?  What are some examples of  servant leadership that you've implemented or experienced?

------------------------------
Alison Lemke, M.A., M.P.A., CCC-SLP, CBIS
Director of Clinical SLP Education
Associate Clinical Professor
University of Colorado-Boulder
2501 Kittredge Loop Drive/409UCB
Boulder, CO 80309
Alison.Lemke@Colorado.edu
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