Page 57 - Harnessing the Strengths

40 ■ Servant-Leadership: In a Nutshell

Also important is the ability to connect the qualities with
those that are diametrically opposite them. Combining lis-
tening with speaking, for example; or coaching and being
coached; anticipating while examining the past: these are
the things that make servant-leadership unique. It is also
special that it does not matter where you begin. Remember,
a circle never has a starting point. It is all about combining
opposites to create wholeness, much like yin and yang, an
integrated whole.
It is precisely this that makes this leadership philosophy
so effective between cultures. Certain cultures have a pref-
erence to start from rules and then make exceptions, while
other cultures would rather go from the special situations
to the general principles. In some cultures, people prefer to
look at the details and then place those details in the big
picture, while others prefer to know the larger context fi rst,
within which the details fall. And fi nally, a servant-leader
does not have to begin with serving. You can also begin
with leading, as long as it contributes to the quality of serv-
ing! Or you can change course today!
The best part is, it is not about having impossible quali-
ties or making expensive investments. Servant-leadership is
about the attitudes and behaviors within everyone’s reach
and available to every organization. You can start today!

Radar and Thrust

Servant-leaders are continually working on further devel-
oping themselves, and stimulating others as well. In order
to do this, there are two important orientations to consider:
radar (inward) and thrust (outward).