The World's Most Powerful Leadership Principle: How to Become a Servant Leader

I read this book for a college class and I wanted to talk about 5 servant leadership principles learned from this book. Leadership development and character development are one. “Leadership is the choice one makes because it is the right thing to do, regardless of the return that may or may not come one's way as a result” (Hunter, 2004, p. 68). Leaders cannot separate themselves from their character. When growing as a leader one must work on who they truly are as a person if they want to grow in leadership. A failure to correct negative behavior is a failure to lead. “‘Discipline without love can easily become abuse, while love without discipline is not love at all’” (Hunter, 2004, p. 121). Jesus talks about the father who loves their child and who disciplines them. In the same way, leaders can show love by correcting their employees when needed. Bad behavior in the workplace happens because the leader allows it. An employee may act kind and respectful to the boss but treat other co-workers with disrespect. A failure to correct negative behavior is a failure to lead. Nature is what people are put into this world to rise above. “‘Human nature is going to the bathroom in your pants… To two year olds, defecating in their pants is a very natural behavior. In fact, what their mother is now proposing seems totally preposterous and unnatural: ‘what, mommy? You want me to get up on that big, cold white thing and do what? No way, Mommy, that’s unnatural!’” (Hunter, 2004, p. 133). In the same way a two year old defecates in their pants it is natural for a person to be selfish. A leader does not have to train a person to be selfish, it is natural. On the other hand, being a servant is unnatural. This is what the book would call “”fake it till you make it”. Our hearts may not want to serve, however if you choose to serve a person's heart will follow. Do not say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. “It is never too late to learn and grow. If you are too old or lazy to learn and grow, then you are too old or lazy to lead” (Hunter, 2004, p. 164). Habits are a new trick anyone can teach themselves. Servant leaders must build new habits continually. Character is developed through discipline and habits. A person practices serving their coworkers and eventually it becomes a habit, part of their character. They will get to a point where they no longer have to think about it, serving becomes second nature. Lastly there are three Fs of leadership “These three Fs are Foundation, Feedback and Friction” (Hunter, 2004, p. 173). Foundation is all about setting the standard. What are the expected behaviors within the organization, and what happens if a person does not behave the way they should. Feedback is what allows people to see the areas they lack in or the gaps in their leadership. Measurable goals need to be set, this will allow the gaps to begin to close. Finally, friction provides the healthy conflict needed to incentivize working at top performance. Friction allows people to demand excellence and challenge people when they are not reaching the standard. References Hunter, J. C. (2004). The world's most powerful leadership principles: How to become a servant leader. Crown Business, New York, New York.

This is an excellent book for looking at things in a different light and realizing you do have more control on the outcomes of almost all situations. The book suppports the belief that people can change if they want to. A good book for business as well as everyday living.

I am an avid reader of leadership books; this one is at the top of my list! James Hunter does a wonderful job at laying out the principles of true leadership, Servant Leadership. He will tell you (I have attended one of his workshops too) that these are all things we know and have been taught and caught for centuries, he just puts it all together. The way Jim puts it together is great and really hits to the core if you apply it (personally and in your relationships). Jim stresses that Leadership development and character development are one. This is a sequel to his first book The Servant, which lays out all of the same principles in a story form. This book is more of a how to or a map of the Servant Leadership principles for those that want to read some more and get a process with instructions. Reading is good, but the book ends with a chapter on implementation and a challenge that only 10 percent of learners, really learn. The challenge is to not just read this book, but to become engaged in the principles and values that this book communicates, truly work on yourself and commit the material to real learning (behavioral changes). It my have just been a timing thing for me (a point ready to learn) but this book changed my outlook and habits to grow as a Servant Leader. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm working at it daily (read the book, you'll understand).

James Hunter has produced a well written, to the point book on what it means to be a REAL leader. I would also recommend "Launching A Leadership Revolution" by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward. The combination of these two books is everything you need to become the leader you should be.

i have read many leadership books. this is one of the best if you subscribe to the servant leadership principles. well explained. good examples. given to me as a gift and now i have bought a number of copies to give to my employees

Never heard of this guy until I read his first book. Then saw this a couple weeks ago and he brings it once again. He gets it, there are few leaders in this world right now today. He tells about leadership in a direct, no nonsense way but is preaching love in the workplace. He is teaching that leaders are people who hold their followers accountable, can be tough when they need to but do care and that creates more followers. Sounds simple. Everyone says they know this stuff, a handful do it. Hunter lays this out and its good.