Introduction
Servant leadership is one of the leadership models widely used in many areas of people’s social life, including religious and business domains. The concept was first introduced in the late 1990s, and servant leaders were defined as those who place their followers’ good over” their self-interest of the leader” (as cited in Allen et al., 2018, p. 40). Such people lead their followers by empowering them, listening to them carefully and empathetically, supporting and guiding them. It has been acknowledged that this leadership model has a positive influence on employee performance and the overall competitiveness of companies (Bao et al., 2018). Therefore, servant leadership has become quite widely spread in business, and it is, of course, one of the central models in ministry. It is possible to have a closer look at a periscope in Genesis to explore the way servant leadership is described in the Bible and how it can be used in ministry and business.
Main body
The periscope under consideration is the part regarding Joseph and Pharaoh. Joseph asks Pharaoh to let his family stay in Egypt due to the famine in Canaan (New International Version, 2011, Genesis 47: 1-12). This episode is an informative illustration of servant leadership and its positive aspects (Crowther, 2018). Being a servant leader, Joseph concentrates on his family’s (his followers’) needs and encourages them to articulate their concerns and address Pharaoh. Although Joseph asks Pharaoh to help his family, Joseph’s father and his brother use an opportunity to solve their problem and ask for resources for themselves, rather than wait until Joseph settles everything for them. Although the leader is aware of the issues of those who follow and is ready to listen and assist, the followers are actors solving the problem rather than recipients of instructions.
The approach displayed in this periscope is consistent with the models and techniques of modern servant leaders. The contemporary framework of servant leadership implies the focus on people’s needs that are satisfied to enhance their motivation, morale, and commitment to organizational goals. Allen et al. (2018) state that modern servant leaders inspire, motivate, and serve as moral guides to their followers. This approach is visible in the chosen periscope. Joseph is an ethical model for his family due to his ability to be compassionate, wise, loving, and emphatic. Irrespective of the past conflict, Joseph has sufficient wisdom and commitment to achieve the highest results for everyone. Importantly, this moral component of this leadership model facilitates people’s collaboration and desire to go the extra mile in achieving the highest results.
The analysis of the periscope is instrumental in identifying essential aspects of servant leadership. This text extends the contemporary model in a critical domain related to conflict management. This area has not received sufficient attention from researchers or practitioners. Internal and external conflicts are apparent in the situation depicted in this text. As for the inner conflict, Joseph has to decide whom to serve, his family, or his leader, Pharaoh (Crowther, 2018). Joseph manages to resolve this dilemma by employing the highest ethical standards. He finds a way to align all people’s needs and ensure that all stakeholders are satisfied.
Likewise, a contemporary servant leader tries to find the solutions that would be beneficial for the entire organization and each employee. This endeavor may seem complicated, but it is achievable if the necessary amount of consideration and collaboration is invested. As in Joseph’s case, who encourages his family to stay and become valuable members of the new community, his inner conflict is resolved (Crowther, 2018). His authority and background are sufficient for Pharaoh to let new people live in his lands. Joseph remains an excellent servant to his Pharaoh and a committed leader to his family.
As far as the external conflict is concerned, the servant leadership model enabled Joseph and his family to address it effectively as well. Although Joseph’s brothers nearly killed him and were jealous and cruel, the man finds the inner strength to forgive and even serve them. Joseph does not choose to take revenge and cause harm to his brothers but saves them from famine. He understands that being revengeful will result in pain and sorrow for his father and other people he loves. Instead, he chooses to talk to his brothers and settle the issues they had (Crowther, 2018). Likewise, a contemporary servant leader tries to manage conflicts effectively by being open, empathetic, and wise. Irrespective of past situations and possible inconveniences caused by some stakeholders, servant leaders must focus on the good for all (and meeting organizational goals) by meeting the needs of all people involved (Allen et al., 2018). This approach will make others committed to collaboration as their leader will become a model who can concentrate on the positive aspects and address issues openly. It will also have a positive effect on the working atmosphere and the overall organizational culture.
As mentioned above, leadership models are applied in all spheres of human life, including business and ministry. The biblical concept of leadership is also widely employed in both the abovementioned areas. The Biblical perspective of leadership is closely related to such models as a servant and transformational leadership as the leader inspires, supports, and guides followers (Irving & Strauss, 2019). Although the metaphor is relatively trivial, the Biblical concept of a leader encompasses their being a shepherd to those who follow. Listening to people, understanding their needs, and helping them attain their goals enable leaders to help their followers collaborate and achieve established goals. In ministry, these principles are evident and well-accepted, and reasonably expected by all stakeholders as people seek help and support from their religious leader.
In business, this model is not common, and many people still anticipate autocratic or some other form of democratic leadership. A comparatively small number of leaders choose the servant leadership model in their practice. However, this leadership style has beneficial effects on the overall performance of organizations (Bao et al., 2018). Servant leaders manage to create a positive working atmosphere, inspiring all people to follow similar principles that are consistent with Biblical concepts and values. Employees try to be empathetic and understanding, upbeat and open, collaborative and helpful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is necessary to note that servant leadership is still the model that needs further exploration. A considerable number of people choose this leadership model to bring their teams to excellence and success, but this leadership style is not typical in business. At the same time, leaders should consider using this approach or, at least, some of its elements in their practice, which will have a positive influence on their organizations and each individual.
References
Allen, S., Winston, B. E., Tatone, G. R., & Crowson, H. M. (2018). Exploring a model of servant leadership, empowerment, and commitment in nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit Management and Leadership, 29(1), 123-140. Web.
Bao, Y., Li, C., & Zhao, H. (2018). Servant leadership and engagement: A dual mediation model. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 33(6), 406-417. Web.
Crowther, S. (2018). Biblical servant leadership. Palgrave Macmillan.
Irving, J. A., & Strauss, M. L. (2019). Leadership in Christian perspective: Biblical foundations and contemporary practices for servant leaders. Baker Academic.
New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway. Web.