“Am I my brother’s keeper?”: Servant Leadership through community building Ian Knott-Craig Department of Education, Rhodes University (SOUTH AFRICA) EMASA 2011 – CAPE TOWN

Overview Literature Overview Context Findings Sustainability Conclusion

“People are the heart and spirit of all that counts. (Max DePree) “Leadership is a process of influence. Anytime you seek to influence the thinking, behaviour or development of people towards accomplishing a goal you are taking the role of leadership.” (Ken Blanchard) “Leadership is about people and the intimate, intricate relationships between them.” (Chuck Ferguson) “No one is a leader without someone to follow.” (Ken Blanchard)

BOSS FROM HELL

Overworked

Paradigm Shift

Understanding their needs

Greenleaf

Servant Leadership “One who wants to serve first”; “It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first”…; …“then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead”; “The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant - first to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served”. (Greenleaf, 1970)

Context of the study Alternative leadership methods Collaborative community Social formation Preparation of students

Methodology Transformative Paradigm – Action Research Qualitative in nature Multi-method approach – Interviews – Report Documents – Observation – Focus Groups

Research questions: Overarching question: Do alternative forms of leadership (such as servant leadership) emerge through community building? Specific questions: *Are learners able to interact and work together in a meaningful way? *Are they able to build a caring, empathetic and dynamic community? *Do participants respond to servant leadership as an alternate leadership style to “command and control”?

Demographics of Participants Cultural Groups

Demographics of Participants Ages of Participants

Demographics of Participants Home Language

Findings Development of Moral Dialogue Reflection of current approach Willingness to challenge Exercise of moral power Stronger relationships Responsible approach

Findings Community Building Empowerment to build Collective development of a vision and values Created a caring and supportive environment Development of self-worth

Findings Emergence of Servant Leadership Awareness of responsibility Collective involvement Moral responsibility Social obligation

Implementation of Model CollegeHousemaster Head of House Deputy Head of House FUNCTIONAL GROUPS FORUM Grade 12 Monitors/Mentors Grade 11 Mentors Grade 10 Grade 9 Grade 8 Mentoring Workgroups/PODS

Sustainability “Wheel of change” Challenge mindsets Recognise new ideas Develop new goals Good communication Everyone is valued

“The fruit of great servant leadership is realised when a leader seeks to send the next generation of leaders to meet the challenges of their season with all the wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual resources he or she can provide.” (Ken Blanchard, 2005) Conclusion

Are there any questions? Thank you for your attention!

Context South African History School’s History Decision to change

Servant Leadership Relationships Relationships Respect Trust Relationships… Relationships Individual Growth Vulnerability