August 23, 2002, Newsletter Issue #72: SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Tip of the Week

This concept of "Servant-Leadership" (Servant-Coaching) might be more prevalent than you`d think. First, Servant-leaders have a deep belief in the unlimited potential of each person player. Robert Greenleaf points out that the Servant-Leader is servant first…wanting to bring value by lifting up others and doing what supports the greater good for all. I think that most good coaches desire that. This is sharply different from those who see themselves as a leader first. Those coaches are usually motivated by the need for power, wins, prestige and/or material rewards.
Common characteristics of the "SERVANT-COACH" are:
1. Listening: Seeking to identify the needs of the TEAM and to work on those in practice. Listening needs to be coupled with reflection.
2. Empathy: Players need to be recognized and accepted for their special gifts and talents.
3. Awareness: Especially self-awareness. Coaches need to have develop their own inner serenity. (Robert Greenleaf)
4. Persuasion: Seeking to convince the team rather than coerce compliance; SERVANT-COACHES are effective at building consensus within THE TEAM.
5. Conceptualization: "SERVANT-COACHES dream great dreams"; seeking balance between visioning (thinking outside the boxes) and a day to day focused approach.
6. Foresight: SERVANT-COACHES understand the lessons from the past, the realities of the present, and the likely consequence of a decision for the future. They use these to develop their game plans on a weekly basis.
7. Stewardship: "Holding something in trust for another"; a commitment to serving the needs of others. The TEAM is everyones TEAM, past, present and future.
8. Commitment to the Growth of Players: Recognizing that players have value beyond basketball.
19. Building a program: This may be one of the main things a SERVANT-COACHES does.
SERVANT-COACHING holds that the primary purpose of a team should be to create a positive impact on its players and community, rather than using winning games as the sole motivation.
Greenleaf often asked his executive boards:
Whom do you serve? For what purpose?
I`d ask:
Are you that kind of a coach? Strive to be!
Do you play for that kind of a coach? Thank him!

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