Book Review

The Servant Book Review

The book The Servant: A Simple Story About The True Essence of Leadership was written by James C. Hunter. The story is about a man named John Daily who has his priorities mixed up. At the suggestion of his pastor, he reluctantly agreed to go on a weeklong spiritual retreat. At the retreat, John learns the necessary skills to be a better leader at work and at home.

In this book, James Hunter defines what it means to be a good leader. He discusses the importance of knowing the difference between having power and having authority over others. He also talks about if you want to be a good leader you also have to be a good listener. The author uses an inverted pyramid to describe the Servant Leadership model. At the bottom is will, then love, service and sacrifice, authority and leadership is at the top. According to this model, the first step toward leadership is will. With the proper will, you chose love, which means identifying and meeting the legitimate needs of those being lead. The next level of the pyramid is to serve and sacrifice. The greatest leaders, therefore, are the ones who serve the most.

The lessons that are presented in the book can be a great tool for anyone who wants to become a better leader. In order to be effective leaders they must serve the people, listen to the people’s needs, give praise and recognition, show kindness, and be honest.