Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership

Christopher S. Burt

Indiana Wesleyan University

Applied Management Concepts

ADM 510

Mr. Phillip Rosell, Instructor

July 31, 2010

Servant Leadership

It is easy, especially these days, to look at the news and see many examples of who is not the servant-leader. Many corporations are failing today in our economy because of the greed and lust for power of the few at the top of the corporate hierarchy. In contrast, there are a growing number of entities that are embracing a very different approach to doing business; one that is gentler, kinder, and keeps people’s best interests at the forefront of their endeavors. This paper will illustrate my thoughts on the many facets of the Servant Leader in my current workplace- the Indiana University Southeast, Athletic Department and how they may or may not be currently being used.

Indiana University Southeast’s Athletic Department was founded in the late 1960’s with a mission statement immediately established following its inception…” The Department of Athletics provides intercollegiate, intramural and recreational opportunities for students. Through these opportunities students achieve educational and personal fulfillment, life skills, character development and campus pride” (Indiana University, 2009, ¶ 1). It is through this statement we define the University’s role as a servant leader by it’s creation of various opportunities it provides to the student/athletes.

In college athletics there is without a doubt a servant leader relationship in place. Let’s begin at the top-the Athletic Director has to be among things a visionary , followed by the Head Coach who is a community builder and then the various administrative assistants who provide various trustworthiness, empowerment, caring and good stewardship roles within the athletic department. It is a definitely a team-effort to provide these student/athletes with the necessary tools to become successful not only on the court or...