Serving the Public in the 21st Century

Abstract

The values, attitudes and behaviors of servant leadership are consistent with the public service ethic which values empowerment, justice and fairness in society, and community building achieved through participation; the attitude of stewardship; and the behaviors of compassion, love, sacrifice, and civic duty/service. We are beginning to see the application of servant ledership in public agencies and it may be our best hope to reengage citizens. Processes reflecting the values, attitudes, and behaviors of servant leadership enable public administrators to facilitate dialogue are available, such as Appreciative Inquiry and Open Space Technology. While information technology makes it possible to involve citizens from across a state in dialogues via interactive TV, we find the authoritarian model of leadership hard to let go. But if we are to develop a servant-leadership model, new skills are needed. We will need to engage in authentic communication, to interact with others with positive regard and respect, and to collaborate in problem solving. Servant leadership offers individuals in public service who value empowerment, justice, community building and stewardship the tools to achieve these values.