Not just hearing, but listening with utter intention to what is being said and…even unsaid and then taking the time to reflect and respond. Be conscious of people’s personalities, and even when at times, those personalities may be…. rather. . ummm… unique, nonetheless, that is what makes the world go round, so embrace and try to understand everyone’s individual spirit. TO Serve 1. Listening 2. Empathy
Personal Development
“the servant leader is servant first”
Hernando Co. School District Susan Triola, MBA, RDN, SNS
“It begins with the natural feeling that
assessment and being completely honest to yourself does not make one weak, but stronger! Identify your inner and outer weaknesses and work on you- it’s hard work, but ain’t nobody gonna do it for you--- face the hard. You will thank your future amazing self. You ever make someone think your idea was theirs? Congratulations, you just mastered the art of persuasion! You probably used the two “C”s—Convincing and Consensus and not coercing others nor using your title to make a decision. Do not be a dictator- No one likes a tyrant as a leader! For some reason, I seem to visualize a Christmas tree with this idea. Think big picture (the tree) and then all of the beautiful and ornate details (ornaments) that are needed to make that decision/concept/idea come to life! Don’t just be a big picture leader, as it’s those beautiful lights and sparkles that make that tree shine the brightest! Ah yes, the ability to foresee what is about to come, based off of past experiences. Use those life lessons- they were given to you for a reason! Kinda like how those red flags seem to appear brighter and more in your face after you keep dating the same kind of 7. Foresight 5. Persuasion 6. Conceptualization
one wants to serve. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.” Robert K. Greenleaf
While many of us are familiar with the traditional three: authoritative, laissez-faire, participative… I ask the question, what is servant leadership and is it any less definitive than the aforementioned? While thinking of a topic to write, the first phrase and idea that came to my mind when it comes to leadership in school food service, is servant leadership. Hard to believe, but this phrase was actually coined in 1970, and because I was born in the 70’s, I am not going to call this theory old, but rather, a classic! Robert K. Greenleaf published an essay called “The Servant as Leader’’, stating that “the servant leader is servant first” (Spears, 2010). Sounds a little harsh, right? Especially in these sensitive times, using the term “servant” to define one’s leadership style may come across as offensive or off-putting. I say, forget labels - let’s break down this phrase and see if you want to use this word at your next interview to describe who you are or want to be as the next school food service leading trailblazer! Duringmypersonal evolution over the past 16(+) years in the school food service business, I slowly began seeing who I was as a leader and began nurturing this servant essence that I had within me. Yes, I can be democratic; allowing all to have a voice, strategic; adhering to the departments goals and objectives as well as that coach working alongside employees
in the dish pit getting those greasy sheet pans clean, but when it comes down to truly defining what makes me
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W h o hasn’t had a challenge in life that has left one broken? If so… you are my hero! I know 3. Healing
and the mentors around me not just a good leader, but an exceptional leader, is having that soul. . . that servant spirit.
So, let’s get into the meat and potatoes of this servant leadership idea. First of all, even putting the two words together--- “Servant” and “Leader” seems to be kinda weird, more like an oxymoron, however, completely intentional by Greenleaf. When you think about it, school food service professionals first and foremost serve, and we are also leaders, so it appears that we are off to a good start fitting this phrase into our world. As Greenleaf put it… ”It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead” (Spears, 2010). Love that! Servant Leader Characteristics There are ten defined characteristics that make one a servant leader. Maybe do a self-reflection while reading them - do you have what it takes to be this type of leader or perhaps you will want to be inspired and strive to check off all ten of them?
you can’t see me, but I am raising both my hands and feet—I for one have grown and healed from heartache and it has made me a warrior—Now, I take my life lessons and try to help others heal and be whole again.
General awareness and being self-aware are essential. Taking criticisms, a self- 4. Awareness
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