The Power of Servant Leadership
SERVANT LEADERSHIP WORKS
This inspiring guide re-imagines leadership as an act of service rooted in empathy, humility, and purpose. Blending academic insight, personal stories, and practical tools, Servant Leadership equips readers to lead with heart and integrity-whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or everyday life. Drawing on timeless spiritual wisdom and modern research, Thibodeau and Ondrejka show how leading by serving can transform individuals, teams, and entire organizations. This is leadership as it was meant to be: good work, sacred work, our work.
What Is Servant Leadership?
Servant leadership is a philosophy where the leader’s primary goal is to serve others. Rather than accumulating power or control, servant leaders uplift their teams, prioritize empathy, and create an environment of shared purpose.
This leadership model was first popularized by Robert K. Greenleaf and has been adopted by top companies like Starbucks, Google, and The Container Store.
Key characteristics:
Listening before leading
Putting employees’ needs first
Leading by example
Creating space for growth and ownership
The Power of Servant Leadership in Practice
| Benefit | How It Helps Your Team |
|---|---|
| Empowers Innovation | Teams feel safe to share ideas and take initiative |
| Builds Unshakable Trust | Transparency and respect replace fear-based management |
| Develops Future Leaders | Focus on mentorship, not micromanagement |
| Increases Engagement & Retention | Employees stay when they feel heard, valued, and inspired |
| Drives Sustainable Results | Compassionate leadership leads to higher productivity and morale |
The 7 Pillars of Servant Leadership
Each of these pillars drives change from the inside out:
Person of Character
Leads with integrity, humility, and authenticity.
Consistently does what is right, even when it’s difficult.
Puts People First
Values and respects people above profits, processes, or personal gain.
Acts with compassion and empathy, prioritizing the well-being of others.
Skilled Communicator
Listens actively and speaks with clarity.
Creates open, trusting environments where all voices are heard.
Compassionate Collaborator
Builds strong relationships through trust and teamwork.
Encourages inclusion and values diversity of thought and perspective.
Foresight
Has the ability to learn from the past, understand the present, and anticipate the future.
Uses wisdom and vision to guide decisions.
Systems Thinker
Sees the bigger picture and understands how different parts connect.
Anticipates consequences of actions on people, teams, and organizations.
Moral Authority
Influences through example, not power or control.
Earns respect by aligning actions with values and inspiring others to follow.
Real-Life Examples
Featured Leaders:
Herb Kelleher – Southwest Airlines
Built a people-first culture that skyrocketed loyalty and performance.Cheryl Bachelder – Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Turned around a failing brand by focusing on serving franchisees and staff.Ken Blanchard – Leadership Expert
Advocated that servant leadership isn’t about being “soft”—it’s about being strong for others.Nelson Mandela – Global Icon of Reconciliation
Led with humility, listening, and a vision of unity after years of oppression.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Power of Servant Leadership
What is The Power of Servant Leadership about?
The Power of Servant Leadership explores a transformative leadership philosophy that puts service before authority. It teaches leaders how to empower teams, lead with empathy, and foster trust to achieve long-term success and impact.
Who is this book for?
This book is perfect for current and aspiring leaders, managers, educators, non-profit organizers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to lead with integrity, purpose, and compassion.
What makes servant leadership different from traditional leadership styles?
Unlike top-down leadership that prioritizes control and authority, servant leadership focuses on serving others first. It promotes collaboration, ethical decision-making, and shared success rather than individual power or status.
What are the main benefits of applying servant leadership in organizations?
Servant leadership improves team morale, increases employee engagement, reduces turnover, builds trust, and encourages a culture of accountability, creativity, and empathy-driven growth.
Does the book include practical tools and real-life examples?
Yes. The Power of Servant Leadership includes actionable strategies, reflection exercises, and real-world case studies from businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based communities that have successfully adopted servant leadership principles.
How is this book different from other leadership books?
Many leadership books focus on gaining influence or maximizing productivity. This book focuses on transforming relationships, strengthening communities, and leading through service, making it a values-based approach to sustainable leadership.
Can this leadership approach work in competitive industries?
Absolutely. Many thriving companies—including major corporations and start-ups—use servant leadership to create resilient, innovative, and human-centered work cultures that outperform others over time.
Is this book rooted in any spiritual or faith-based tradition?
While servant leadership has deep roots in spiritual and philosophical teachings, this book presents its concepts in a universal, inclusive way that is relevant for both secular and faith-driven readers.
Will this help me become a better leader even if I’m not in a formal leadership role?
Yes. Servant leadership begins with mindset and daily behavior. Whether you’re a student, volunteer, parent, or team member, the principles in this book can help you lead by example and positively influence those around you.
Where can I purchase The Power of Servant Leadership?
The book is available at major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and select independent bookstores. You can also visit the author’s website for signed copies and special editions.