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Examples of a Servant Leader
There are many characteristics of a servant leader. "Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enrich the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world" (Greenleaf, 2017). A few basic characteristics would include being authentic, vulnerable, accepting, empathetic, present and useful. The following are various video examples of servant leader characteristics.


A Bugs Life
The movie clip begins with a colony of ants who are happily gathering food together. They are working as a team, with a system, until a leaf falls into their line up and makes the ants go into a frenzy. The queen’s helper, Mr. Soil, steps up and helps the ants get around the leaf by encouraging them with positivity. He has a willingness to act, and cares for the good of the colony and works hard to ensure that they are successful and happy. This also means he is accepting. He is accepting of the ant's mistake because mistakes happen. He does not run off to tell the queen about the little gap created.
The principal of Empowerment Mr. Soil shows is problem-solving. When a problem occurs, he does not pinpoint the ant with the problem and calls him out. He figures out the flaw in the system and why the line failed, rather than what was wrong with the ants. A reactive principal would be someone who responds by identifying and punishing the guilty.

Of course there are many movie clips that offer leadership examples, but I found this site to have a few more good options --> How To Be a Better Leader
Broken Escalator
This video shows servant leadership differently. There is a lack of leadership shown by the people on the escalator. As the escalator shuts down and stops working, they chose to do the same. They do not demonstrate authenticity or usefulness. They are accepting of their negative situation, but do nothing to change it. The solution is simple, they need to walk up the stairs and off the escalator, but instead, they yell for help.

It shows how people can solve most of their problems by just taking action and not letting others do the work for them. There is a definite lack of empowerment. They are not able to overcome their sense of powerlessness and to recognize and use their resources. It's also symbolic of decision making. Nowadays, people struggle to make simple decisions. Our problems can easily be fixed by ourselves. We just need to do the work, follow an example and get off the escalator.

Mother Teresa
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Of course, Mother Teresa is the perfect example of a servant leader. She has every characteristic of one. Mother Teresa was a charity worker in India and also a nun. She had a clear vision. She founded Missionaries of charity in Kolkata, India. For 45 years she was looking after the poor, sick, orphaned and dying. She was a selfless servant leader who dedicated her whole life to helping others.

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” This quote by Mother Teresa shows that she is empathetic. She is also useful; she listens. She was always a resource however she was needed.
Finally, this prayer written by Mother Teresa recognizes her regard for others. She consistently values people, and it shines through in her actions and words. Her ultimate goal is to help others and show each person's unique value.

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