Premium Essay

Martin Luther King Servant Leadership

Submitted By
Words 601
Pages 3
Leader who Embodies Servant Leadership A servant leader is someone who puts others first. This is a leader who serves their follower but leads at the same time. This sounds contradictory, however, it can be a very effective way. Especially in certain situations that call specifically for a servant leader. A famous leader who embodies servant leadership was Martin Luther King, Jr. He put the needs of other citizens before his own. He did not always want to be a leader of the Civil Rights Movement, but knew he had to stand up for equality (Perry, 2010). King displayed servant leadership behaviors such as putting followers first, helping followers grow and succeed, behaving ethically and was empowering.
Putting Followers First King put followers needs before his own, which is a behavior by servant leaders. He did not plan on being a leader of the Civil Rights Movement as mentioned previously. It all started when boycotters approached him to endorse the boycott against Montgomery buses. Instead, he decided to offer the basement of his church to the boycotters while he went out to speak at a meeting about the equality problem. He put followers first by going against his own comfort to be the leader people needed. He became their …show more content…
There were other followers who took more dangerous, aggressive routes such as Brown v. Board of Education. Martin wanted to help his followers grow into better Christians. He wanted to teach them they could stand up for what they believed in without being violent. He knew violence and aggression was not the only way to succeed. He proved to them that an individual or group of people can succeed by being nonviolent, ethical and Christian like. He not only taught his followers how to grow successfully during the Civil Rights Movement, but for future problems as well. His ideas, suggestions and behaviors are still utilized

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Leadership

...An increasing number of educators have begun to discuss how leadership evolves to match this quickly changing world. Usually people believe good leaders should have outstanding charisma and skills in order to lead successfully. This essay, however, will examine the servant style of leaderships which, rather than relying upon command and control, is structured from the bottom-up. That is, servant leaders approach the organizational goals by establishing the organization’s norms to help people who is in need.(Tiaki, 2014). Servant leadership is of 3 core elements: listening, conceptualization and stewardship. This essay will discuss these three elements and demonstrate how they work in action by examining the life and exploits of Martin Luther King. When discussing about the servant leaders, the ability of listening can be emphasized at the very beginning. That is more than just listening. This is where making conscious efforts to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, try to understand the complete message being sent. According to Nichols(2009),good listeners try to understand and realize what speakers say to them and no judgment will be delivered. So good listeners not only make speakers perceive that what they are talking about is interesting to the listeners but also to get information, understand and learn at the same time. For examples, If students can pay more attention and patience to listen to what teachers say in the lectures obviously...

Words: 1997 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Searvant Leadership

...Running head: SERVANT LEADERSHIP Servant Leadership Servant leaders have contributed many great and sympathetic attributes in modern society today. In order for an organization to make today in a world where the economy is in a down spiral, servant leadership is a must. A servant leader acknowledges the sacrifice of his followers, and then he assures them that there will be a better tomorrow. He also creates a sense of urgency with his followers. The servant leader is very active, versus being passive on the backburner. A servant leader refuses to be denied, because as a true servant leader he is concerned about his followers. Servant leadership is often associated with the Bible and religion. The idea of servant leadership originated from Robert Greenleaf although it can be dated back to ancient time. It is well used among various religion beliefs; Mother Theresa and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. area two of the more popular religious icons and they were both great servant leaders (Ebener, 2011). Less consideration is given to the care of others because it is because it moved from personal involvement to something that is mediated by large corporations (2011). Mother Teresa was a head strong individual whom exhibited a wealth of values that far surpassed most people in our lifetime. She was known for her honesty, respectability, and commitment. She is loyal and dedicated to the people she serves. Mother Teresa was considered a true Saint and she far...

Words: 1247 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

...Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - A Leadership Icon Annise Hawkins Strayer University PAD 515 Dr. Lisa Saye July 30, 2011 What comes to mind when you hear the terms courage, leadership courage, moral leadership and servant leadership? Do you think of an influential person (s) you know? Or do you think in terms of qualities that leaders need to possess in order to be effective? In order to answer those questions, one must understand the definitions of those terms. Courage is “the ability to step forward through fear. Courage doesn’t mean the absence of doubt or fear, but the ability to act in spite of them” (DAFT 2011, p. 181). Leadership courage requires a leader to “reach deep within themselves to find the strength and courage to resist temptations or to stand up for moral principles when others may ridicule them or when they may suffer financially or emotionally for their actions” (DAFT 2011, p. 180. Moral courage is about “distinguishing right from wrong and doing right, seeking the just, the honest, the good, and the right conduct in achieving goals and fulfilling purpose” (DAFT 2011, p. 172). Finally, servant leadership is when “leaders give up control and make a choice to serve employees” (DAFT 2011, p. 175). When I think of these terms, I immediately think of a prominent leader who possessed all these qualities, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was truly a leader in his time. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a leader is “one...

Words: 1711 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Servant Leadership

...very challenging and rewarding career. Young people are taught very early, the essentials of management and leadership. Many times, sailors are put in a position to lead early in their careers. The mission is the most important responsibilities of a leader in the military. Maintaining the welfare of the sailors is secondary. Seeking out responsibility and taking responsibility for your actions are the essentials of military leadership and are the factors that will drive a sailors career to new positions of authority. Serving in the military for over 20 years, I have held various positions of leadership. Throughout that time, I have had opportunity to improve my skills as a leader, as well as evaluate the type of leader that I am. Due to the ever-changing political climate, different leadership styles demand new types of leadership roles. There is not a one-size-fits-all type of leader in the military. All missions are unique, and personnel are always changing positions in the Navy overall. Therefore, leaders in the military must “adapt and overcome”. Chances are the command may not be successful at the mission at hand if they cannot adapt and overcome. While I was in the Navy, and now in civilian life, I have witnessed many different examples of leadership, good and bad. The style that I especially admire, which I also see in myself, is the servant leadership style. This style is not always applicable in the military, and often not favored, its role can be beneficial...

Words: 791 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Constitutional Right

...Courage and Moral Leadership Olivier Faye Dr. Mark Pantaleo PAD 515 Sunday, February 5, 2012 What comes to mind when you hear the word leader? Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy? According to Webster’s Dictionary, a leader is one who leads. As a leader, you can put ethical values into action and set the example you want followers to live by. You can resist pressures to act unethically just to avoid criticism or achieve short term gains. (Daft, page 167). Leadership is not merely a set of practice with no association with right or wrong. All leadership practice can be used for good or evil and thus have a moral dimension. Leaders choose whether to act form selfishness and greed to diminish others or to behave in ways that serve others and motivate people to expand their potential and as a human being. Moral leadership is about distinguishing right from wrong and doing right, seeking the just, the honest, the good and the right conduct to achieve goals and fulfilling purpose There are a select few individuals who have come variously to be called great or brilliant because they and their accomplishments have forever changed society and the world. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was on those individual. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) would have been 83 on Jan. 15, 2012. Unfortunately his birthday has been turned into a three-day weekend by being recognized as a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year...

Words: 998 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Leader

...Prominent Leader Leadership is a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more interconnected and consistent. Leaders carry out this process by applying their leadership attributes, such as beliefs, values, ethics, character, knowledge, and skills. The theory of leadership states that there are three basic ways to explain how people become leaders. These theories are; some personality traits may lead people naturally into leadership roles. This is the Trait Theory; a crisis or important event may cause a person to rise to the occasion, which brings out extraordinary leadership qualities in an ordinary person. This is the Great Events Theory; people can choose to become privilege leaders. People can learn leadership skills. The basis of good leadership is honorable character and selfless service to the organization. This is the Transformational Leadership Theory. It is the most widely customary theory today and the premise on which this assignment is based on. The purpose of this paper is to profile a prominent leader that I admire. I have chosen to observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; this man has shown such courageous leadership within his community and eventually went nationwide to make a difference for the people. The words that he has expressed through him leading this country has prepared us for the future and other great leaders. “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity...

Words: 1150 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

How Did African Americans Influence Society

...years have sought to inspire and intrigue America. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the many individuals who have emboldened me. Visualize this… African-Americans have constantly been sealed out of society during the sixteen hundreds. This is about the time period that African-Americans were first enslaved. African-Americans have always been patronized; simply for just being black. Not only were they servants to first class Caucasian Americans, they were also treated like third world citizens in a first world country. Now, fast forward a little to the time period of segregation. The world is painted a crimson white. White monopolizes black. Schools, transportation, employment, and society are torn right down the middle. Martin Luther King Jr. revolutionized our entire society. He organized the Birmingham Campaign, served as the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, founded the African-American Civil Rights Organization, led the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and guided nearly two-hundred thousand...

Words: 487 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Leadership of Martin Luther King Jr

...The Leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. Abstract The visionary leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. influenced a nation, and ultimately affected a dramatic change in the area of Civil Rights. The achievements he accomplished in the arena of Human rights still serve as a platform for social change today, even decades after his death. Martin is hailed as a classic Charismatic and Transformational Leader, whose masterful rhetorical skills and personalized leadership empowered many Americans to stand up and claim their rights as American citizens. This paper will provide an analysis of Martin Luther King’s leadership style, and speak briefly about its development. We will discuss his background and the factors that greatly influenced his success as a leader. We will also cover Martin’s application of influence tactics, such as rational persuasion and inspirational appeals, and reveal an almost textbook ideal of leader, follower and situation dynamics. In general, we will discuss his vision and finally pinpoint the factors that ultimately led to his rise in power. “Always bear in mind that your resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.” Abraham Lincoln, U.S. President. Introduction Of all of the leadership styles that have been studied, observed and researched throughout the ages, Charismatic and Transformational Leadership, are cited as being the most powerful. Martin Luther King Jr. is definitely one of the most charismatic and transformational...

Words: 2262 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Courage and Moral Leadership

...Courage and Moral Leadership 5/16/14 Dr. Alvin Lee Strayer University Analyze the qualities that mirror courage and moral leadership in the leader, and document those qualities (moral traits) as discussed by Daft (2010) (Chapter 6: Courage and Moral Leadership). Martin Luther King, Jr. was the mirror image of a moral and courageous leader. Dr. King upheld his morality principles as well as set examples for his followers. Dr. King had special virtues in which he lived and they was love, courage, hope amongst others. " Love, courage, hope, non conformity, and impatience were embodied in the sit-ins, boycotts, and marches, in which King himself was often a participant" (Rice 2004). Dr. King wanted his followers to be just and kind and to not use oppression as a crutch. Despite being spit on, sprayed with a hose and verbally assaulted he was able to manage frustration and anger and continue his peaceful rally. Dr. King was not one to hold his tongue especially about issues concerning his people. In one instance researchers say " King lamented Negroes' lack of "initiative," lambasted blacks for spending above their means, and expressed no patience with blacks who had "used their oppression as an excuse for mediocrity" (Rice 2004). King was well disciplined and courageous in his efforts. He spoke courage through to his followers to keep them encourage and give them strength. He believed “courage does not entail indifference to danger any more than it...

Words: 1727 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Leadership Change

...Martin Luther King, leadership, transformation, change. The research finds that Dr. King personified the four characteristics of transformational leadership. It also illustrates King’s leadership legacy through modern works on leadership. Few individuals have made such a significant contribution to the advancement of modern society as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Born into a family of Baptist ministers in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929, Martin Luther King also became a Baptist minister and rose to national prominence through the organization of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and as leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid- 1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. Awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964, his leadership was fundamental to that movement's success in ending the legal segregation of African Americans in the southern states, and other parts, of the United States. Inspired by Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, King promoted non-violent tactics for social change such as the massive March on Washington (1963), although he never witnessed his dream of a United States in which all Americans would have racial and economic justice. King’s vision of racial justice and love, provided hope and opportunity to African Americans beset by daily hardship and injustice and the impetus to initiate far-reaching social and political change. His ability to transform the struggle for racial equality into a vision with understandable, concrete...

Words: 4171 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Devry Humanities N303

...Investigate the History of Slavery and Discuss the ways in which this history Impacts Contemporary Society. HUMN: 303N Week 8 Final Essay The history of slavery has majorly impacted contemporary society as well as the ways in which we live. Ever since slavery was abolished in the United States, equality has been spread amongst African Americans throughout the world. This was achieved by the African Americans themselves, with their strong effort in fighting for what they felt was right. Following their strong attempts, “A terrible price had to be paid, in a tragic, calamitous civil war, before the new democracy could be rid of that most undemocratic institution” (G. Loury, 2015). A huge part of this time period was the Civil Rights movement. This movement was led by strong leaders that helped secure equal opportunities and privileges for African Americans. Although slavery was not officially outlawed until the 13th century amendment was passed, at end of the war slaves were set free. In M. Stevens (2015), “Fasts about the Slave Trade and Slavery, The Gider Lehrman Institute of American History,” slave trade and slavery itself has been thoroughly described. Steven starts off by stating that the United States had the highest natural increase in slave population. He then goes into slave trade, and explains what a slave would go through on a normal work day. This ties into the fact of the actual cost of slaves, and how vastly it changed through the years. The...

Words: 2612 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Civil Rights

...Civil Rights In past decades, African Americans were considered as slaves and servants for the white majority. Minorities were segregated, marginalized and humiliated because of the color of their skin. When people hear the words civil rights its always connected to the image of Martin Luther King Jr., and his famous speech I Have a Dream in the nation’s capital. The civil rights movement succeeded thanks in part to the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. and the fight for equality of all people’s has started to become a reality. Inspired . African Americans got the most public attention after the end of World War II. They are well-know activists in protesting against discrimination in racism. Since the end of World War II, the population of African Americans in the United States has been increased 7% in few decades. The massive increase of African Americans population formed huge communities in cities, such as Oakland, Richmond, Los Angels etc. In this long time period, African Americans have to face and struggle for racial discrimination in their life. The major problems were employment, education, and housing. In the case of hiring, the ratio of unemployed African Americans increased double from 1940s to 1970s. Most of African Americans people had to deal with lower living standard. The economic discrimination kept African Americans away from skilled work or sometime not even a chance to get hired in any job. Before World War II, African Americans were denied to work...

Words: 1344 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Janie Mae Overton Civil Rights Movement

...jury), and the arrest of Rosa Parks, a new generation of civil rights activists fought back against racial injustice by employing the tactics of nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience. Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama for violating a Jim Crow Ordinance. Her arrest led to a successful citywide bus boycott. Demonstrating the unity and determination of black residents and inspiring blacks everywhere the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-56, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lasted for 381 days. The Boycott brought Dr. King to national prominence and led to the creation in 1957 of the clergy-led Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) with Dr. King as its president. “In the 1950’s and 1960’s, blacks rose up to fight against the social systems and public authorities that had taken these rights away. Many whites supported their campaign” (Civil Rights Movement: History, Causes, Purpose). The Civil Rights Movement entered a pivotal phase in the 1950’s. Key court rulings, new leadership, and innovative strategies emboldened thousands of black and white people to demand the end of racial segregation in the South. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) successfully challenged the constitutionality of segregated public schools. By the end of the fifties, with nonviolent Civil Rights Movement in full bloom, the movement’s attention shifted from schools to segregated lunch counters. In 1958 James Lawson began conducting...

Words: 1935 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Do People of Faith Have to Leave Their Religion at the Door When Entering Public Life?

...What is the role of faith and religion in the liberal political culture of the United States where citizens in theory play a significant role in the formulation of public policies? Some would argue that the United States is a Christian nation, and as such, faith and religion has a central place at the messy table of politics. Moreover, some would argue that the United States is an exceptional nation because of the blessing of having enlightened founders. In addition, American democratic principles are universal, thus religious followers, clergy and institutions ought to be directly involved in political affairs. Others would caution too heavy of a reliance on faith and religion in politics, the manipulation of Christian symbols and beliefs by religious leaders as well as civic leaders for political gain should be a warning to liberals. Moral panics, President Kennedy having to defend his religious faith to potential voters, the symbolic role of “cheap grace” are illustrative of the nightmarish influence of religion on American political culture. Finally, the messianic impulse that often drives American politics has the potential of destroying the fabric of the nation. What do you think? Do people of faith have to leave their religion at the door when entering public life? Everyone knows that it is impolite to argue religion or politics with strangers and dangerous to do so with friends. These topics are treated with such delicacy because they evoke strong passions;...

Words: 974 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Personal Development Plan

...Personal Development Plan Introduction My very first class as a graduate student was more valuable than all my classes taken as an undergraduate. As I was called up to the front of the class to be part of the hula-hoop demonstration, a lot of thoughts raced through my mind. “Oh no! It’s a hula hoop. I’m going to have to circulate my hips in front of the whole class. Okay, nevermind, it’s a team building exercise. We could all stand as close as we can, but maybe everyone would be uncomfortable with our bodies touching. I could suggest it and see what the group thinks, but maybe my idea will get shut down because we are not comfortable with each other. Oh look! there is an older gentleman in our group. I should just listen to what he says.” In chinese culture, I was taught to respect my elders and follow their commands. This put me in a mindset to be a follower and hold back my ideas. I began making eye contact with the older gentleman (Chuck), and whether he noticed the constant stares from me or not, he began to take initiative and lead the group. Prior to taking a class in organizational behavior, I would have just brushed my behavior off and not extracted any useful lessons from the hula-hoop example. As I study organizational behavior, I thought about the hula-hoop example on a daily basis. How do I identify myself in a group environment? What Did You Learn About Yourself? In my intermediate accounting class (ACCTG 620), we are required to work in groups of four to...

Words: 2264 - Pages: 10