Using Leadership to Empower Others

The Unit Introduction suggested that the sense of empowerment that comes with servant leadership is not power for the sake of the leader, but for the benefit of others. Reflect on how the following quotes influence the way you think about leadership and empowerment:

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. - John Quincy Adams (Josephson, 2012)

As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others. - Bill Gates (Sources of Insight, 2011)

Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. - Jack Welch (Lowe, 2008, p. 88)

An empowered organization is one in which individuals have the knowledge, skill, desire, and opportunity to personally succeed in a way that leads to collective organizational success. - Stephen Covey (Covey, 1991, p. 212)

Discussion

How do these quotes affect your views on leadership? How can you use them to help guide and shape your personal leadership style? Which quote really spoke to you, and how might it influence the way you view the leadership power and authority in which you have been entrusted?