Commitment to the growth of people

A true servant leader is not only committed to self growth but also to the growth of others. The featured reading for this practice puts a focus on what it means to teach others and what a servant leader as teacher looks like. It isn’t just about creating and multiplying behaviors as others, but instead about help others unlock the truest form of themselves and who they are to be.

Questions for Individual Reflection:

• What opportunity do I have to teach another today?

• Who is this person becoming? What do they need?

• How can I help them become more of their true self today? How can I help meet a need they have?

Questions for Mentoring Connection:

• Describe a relationship you have with someone who you view as a teacher. What does that relationship look like? What things have they done to help you learn and grow?

• Describe a relationship you have with someone you teach. What does that relationship look like? How have you been successful/unsuccessful in connecting with and teaching this person?

• Identify some people in your circle of influence and some areas where they might need growth. How can you help them begin to grow in those areas?

Question’s for group discussion:

• What does it mean to be a good teacher according to Palmer?

• As a leader in your organization, what opportunities do you have to teach others? Are they open to that teaching? Resistant? How come?

• If we are committed to see others grow, what things do we need to be aware in order to help that come to fruition in others?

After exploring this practice, here are outcomes we would like to see established in participants:

• Participants would see themselves as teachers in their organization

• Participants would have a desire to see those they lead grow into servant leaders and the truest forms of themselves

• Participants would create real opportunities for growth in their organizations