First articulated in 1970 by management consultant Robert Greenleaf, servant leadership describes an element he believed was missing from the modern organization. "The servant-leader is a servant first," he wrote. "It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead."
Today, the servant leadership model finds a natural home at Aurora University. Launched in 2008, the Servant Leadership Initiative grew out of a financial gift from ServiceMaster Company chairman emeritus William Pollard, a champion of servant leadership who was inspired by the university's tradition of service.
Mission
"I believe that successful people do not get that way by accident. They determine what they are good at and develop a passion for that. Part of my job is to provide a sounding board for students as they work through the process of defining their skills and passions."
— Mary Tarling, Director of Servant Leadership
Core concepts
- Servant leadership stems from a genuine commitment to serve the "greater good" through serving others.
- Servant leadership is a lifelong, continuous process of learning, affirming and demonstrating.
- All people have unique gifts and talents that contribute to their success as servant leaders.
- Servant leadership concepts can be applied at both the individual and organizational levels.
- Servant leadership addresses ethical practices, globalization and religious diversity.
- The true test of servant leadership is best measured by its effect on those led.
Objectives
- Provides initial and ongoing training and development opportunities for aspiring servant leaders.
- Recognizes the need for affirmation of the skills and qualities essential to the ongoing practice of servant leadership and therefore fosters a network of interested individuals, institutions and organizations.
- Facilitates service opportunities both locally and internationally.
- Is committed to a broader communication of the philosophy through alliances with partner institutions, organizations and individuals, as well as research production and dissemination.
More information
Contact us
Mary Tarling
Director of Servant Leadership
mtarling@aurora.edu
630-844-7802
Read more
AU Today (Winter 2011): "Servant Leadership Initiative promotes goal of lifelong learning"
George Williams College graduate Norris Lineweaver reflects on how servant leadership has influenced his life and career.
