Chapter 2 – Servant Leadership in Practice

Leading From Behind

When I stepped into my first administrative role, I thought leadership meant being in the front — visible, decisive, steering every conversation. What I learned quickly was that some of the most effective leadership happens from behind the scenes, quietly removing barriers so others can thrive. Robert Greenleaf (1977), who first articulated the concept of servant leadership, describes the servant-leader as one who begins with the desire to serve and then consciously chooses to lead as an extension of that service. In a Christian school context, this resonates deeply. Jesus Himself modeled it when He washed the disciples' feet (John 13:14–15), demonstrating that authority and humility are not opposites — they are partners.

A Lesson in Listening First

Early in my tenure as principal in a Christian school, two veteran teachers found themselves in sharp disagreement over a new grading policy. The tension was seeping into staff meetings and even into their classrooms. The easy path would have been to send out a directive and move on. Instead, I asked each to meet with me privately. My goal wasn't to "win" one over to the other's side, but to understand each perspective fully. When we finally sat together, they each realized they had been defending assumptions rather than facts. By the end of the meeting, they agreed on a compromise — and even more importantly, they prayed together. That moment reinforced for me that listening is not passive; it's one of the most powerful leadership tools we have.

Humility Is Not Weakness

One of the misconceptions about servant leadership is that it means avoiding confrontation or always saying "yes." In truth, servant leaders often make the hardest calls — but they do so in ways that protect the dignity of those involved. At Harborview, I once had to recommend the non-renewal of a teacher's contract. It was not a decision made lightly, and it came after months of coaching and support. Yet, when it became clear that the position was not a good fit, the conversation was guided by both honesty and compassion. We prayed together, and the teacher later told me, "I felt respected, even in the disappointment."

Service Builds Trust

In school leadership, trust is the currency that makes everything else possible. Without it, even the best policies or programs will fail. Trust grows when leaders:

·        Show up consistently — not just for big moments, but in daily routines.

·        Follow through on promises — even when the task is inconvenient.

·        Prioritize the mission over personal ambition.

When staff and families know you are serving the mission — not your own interests — they are far more willing to follow your lead.

Practical Rhythms for Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is not a one-time event; it's a way of leading daily. A few rhythms I've found helpful include:

1.       Walking the campus regularly — not just to monitor, but to connect.

2.       Holding open-door office hours where staff can drop in unannounced.

3.       Asking "What do you need from me?" in meetings to shift focus from tasks to support.

4.       Celebrating others' successes publicly while taking responsibility quietly when things go wrong.

The Biblical Mandate

Servant leadership is not just a leadership style; it is a biblical mandate. Mark 10:43–45 reminds us that greatness in God's Kingdom is found in service, not status:"…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all."  When Christian school leaders live this truth, they model for students and staff a radically different view of leadership than the world offers.

Reflection Questions

·        In what ways can you intentionally "lead from behind" this week?

·        How do you balance humility with the need for decisive leadership?

·        Where in your leadership can you create more opportunities for listening before acting?

References

·        Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness.

·        Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.).