Character and servant leadership: Ten characteristics of effective, caring leaders

We are experiencing a rapid shift in many businesses and not-for-profit organizations away from the more traditional autocratic and hierarchical models of leadership and toward servant leadership as a way of being in relationship with others.

Servant leadership seeks to involve others in decision making, is strongly based in ethical and caring behavior, and enhances the growth of workers while improving the caring and quality of organizational life.

This article examines a set of ten characteristics of the servant leader that are of critical importance and serve to communicate the power and promise that this concept offers to those who are open to its invitation and challenge.