Sipe, Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership

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James W. Sipe and Don M. Frick, The Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership: Practicing the Wisdom of Leading by Serving. Paulist Press, 2009.

Companion volume: Greenleaf and Spears, Servant Leadership

Referenced in: Servant Leadership

LifeandLeadership.com Summary

This is a development of the Greenleaf Servant Leadership philosophy that is built upon seven pillars.

  1. A person of character – maintains integrity, demonstrates humility, serves a higher purpose
  2. Who puts people first – displays a servant’s heart, is mentor-minded, shows care and concern
  3. Skilled communicator – demonstrates empathy, invites feedback, communicate persuasively
  4. Compassionate collaborator – expresses appreciation, builds teams, negotiates conflict
  5. Has foresight – visionary, displays creativity, exercises sound judgment
  6. Is a systems thinker – comfortable with complexity, demonstrates adaptability, considers the “greater good”
  7. Leads with moral authority – authority granted by others by the weight of one’s example

The authors describe each pillar and present a path toward developing these characteristics. It is excellent for self development or leadership training/coaching.

From the Publisher

Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership not only explains the basics of Servant Leadership but also answers the question, “How do I begin implementing Servant Leadership in my workplace?” Seven Pillars coaches readers in how to evolve the competencies necessary to lead by serving first, using pointed questions, stories, exercises, case studies, and research-based activities the authors have field-tested with numerous leaders in the public and private sectors.

About the Authors

James W. Sipe, PhD, LP, is a licensed psychologist, executive coach, and senior consultant with PDI Ninth House, the premier global leadership solutions company.

Don M. Frick, Ph.D. is Robert K. Greenleaf’s biographer, a university professor, writer, speaker, consultant, and media producer. He is owner of Don Frick and Associates.


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