Servant Leadership in Sports and Athletics

Abstract

This chapter explores servant leadership in an athletic context and connects it to other concepts that are related to both servant leadership and sport. The connection between winning and servant leadership is discussed and while winning is important, servant leaders see it as a by-product of a process that enables others to be their best; selfless leadership and performance are not mutually exclusive. Power, a vital currency in athletics, and servant leadership are largely incompatible constructs but there are times when a servant leader will need to use power to support his or her followers such as in removing a coercive coach or leader. The idea that servant leadership represents a soft or weak approach is disputed in this section and examples are provided to support that claim. The benefits of a coach–athlete relationship built upon servant leadership are also explored and how existing athlete-centric models (e.g., Jowett’s 3 C’s +1, Cloud’s Four Corners) are best supported by servant leadership principles. Examples of prominent coaches displaying servant leadership tendencies are also shared. Ethics, sports, and servant leadership are discussed and the important role servant leaders can play in mitigating the ethical dilemmas including gender equity within athletics. Finally, growth mind-set research is connected to servant leadership and follower need satisfaction.