Paulsell further states that Hammarskjold's personal credo was one of subordination of his private interest to the whole and a moral obligation first to the community without losing the strength of his personal convictions. Business in the 21st Century by Herman Bryant Maynard. These authors and others have touted the underlying principles that Greenleaf outlined in his essay The Servant as Leader . It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. We are all, in various parts of our lives, leaders and followers of others.
People move back and forth between leading and following.
It's important to recognize that those who seek to integrate both leading and following are ultimately more whole as people, as human beings, than if one simply views oneself as always a leader or follower. Both leaders and followers need to view themselves as servants of others because that approach lends itself more to the needs of the greater good than one based on the needs of the individual. Spears continues to explain the concept by listing the 10 key characteristics of an effective servant leader, most of which he or she can learn. Spears stresses the importance of keeping an open mind while the group discusses possibly differing opinions. Having empathy for all in the group and accepting their right to share their ideas.