I am struck as I read Kolp & Rhea’s book, Leading with Integrity: Character-Based Leadership, that the traits they propose as necessary for one to provide servant leadership in the 21st century seem to be the same traits a non-leader would aim for to create a stable and satisfying
Can I Handle the Truth?
While reading Kolp and Rea (2009) regarding 360-degree performance evaluations, I began to think – do I really want to know? If one of the keys to being a servant leader is openness to followers feedback, wouldn’t I want my employees to evaluate my performance as a
On Prudence…
Chapter 9 of Kolp & Rea (2006), the author begin by discussing free will and the subject of choice in terms of prudence in character. With the subheading discussion of imprudence then as the authors outline ignorance, neglect, denial and willful imprudence the subject of choice begins
Kevin Bales: How to Combat Global Slavery
This week we take a look at Corporate Social Responsibility. In this moving yet pragmatic talk, Kevin Bales explains the business of modern slavery, a multibillion-dollar economy that underpins some of the worst industries on earth. He shares stats and personal stories from his on-the-ground research —
Shareholders/Stakeholders
Why should the conversation about leadership be set on a continuum where profit maximization and responsible citizenship represent opposing attracters? Can we really balance the economic principles of scarcity, comparative advantage, and the creation of wealth with the ideals of making a difference? Although I shouldn’t have
Social Work and Servant Leadership
The term “servant leadership” is something I have only heard of in the last year when I happened to see a workshop was being offered on the subject at Marylhurst University. Around the same time this course was offered, our leadership team at work held a discussion
Leadership “On Purpose”
Almost all of us have asked ourselves at some point, “What is the meaning of life?” Servant Leadership requires the leader to have an answer to this question, as it must be carried out with intention and purpose. A servant leader makes sacrifices is willing to suffer,
Five Specific Traits of Courage
In considering Kolp and Rea’s (2006) discussion on courage, the most hopeful element of all was the notion that it is a trainable characteristic. This means that through the proper channels, courage may be something that is not simply hoped for, but actually taught. The authors acknowledge
Courage: Leading from the Heart
Kolp and Rea’s (2006) synthesis of courage, faith, and justice advocates that servant-leaders turn away from the dark side of capitalism as business culture, trust their convictions about the virtuous life, and strive for the equity everyone justly deserves. Certainly, these are the types of leaders needed
What did you learn at school today, honey?
In Kolp and Rhea’s book Leading with Integrity: Character Based Leadership, they consider why it is people resist change so much, even when embracing it can be to their benefit. The main reason offered is that to change, one must let go of or lose something (2006,