#Servant leadership

[toseehowthestoryends]

One of the things that throws me in fic is how that authors always assume that James McGraw, Royal Navy officer, is going to look to Lord Thomas Hamilton to always be in charge of any situation they're in. A lot of people assume that James will always defer, just because Thomas is his social superior.

I think this reading grossly underestimates how naval officers were viewed in this era. (Not to mention the type of personality you see in a good naval officer, which James McGraw clearly was; he was on his way upwards and that much was obvious). If we skip forward a little further into the Napoleonic era, successful naval officers were fucking celebrities. Yes, many of them came from noble families, but many didn't, too. (Looking at you, Nelson.) They were not expected to be the shy and retiring type, and we don't see that from James McGraw, either. We see him debating with Thomas as an equal. The show goes out of its way to frame him as smart, capable, and charismatic: the epitome of a 17th century Royal Navy officer.

(Introverts can and do make effective leaders. James may be a little shy in social interactions that make him uncomfortable - as we see - but he also has a tendency to just bowl through awkward situations with the force of his personality and charisma. That trait may have come from becoming Flint, but it doesn't mean he's an inexperienced leader; it just means that he was comforted by the structure and the predictability of the Royal Navy, which is totally an introvert/servant leader type of quality.)

So, I don't quite understand the fic that has James Flint/McGraw instinctively deferring to Thomas just because Thomas is/was a lord. I think that dynamic ignores or reduces the fact that James Flint has always been a leader of men, a strategist, and is the equal in brilliance and rhetoric to Thomas Hamilton. Thomas has other skills James lacks, but that's not the topic here. What bothers me is the fics that sell James's skills short, that paint a man who created an alliance of pirates and escaped slaves out of nothing, using only his rage and his passion as someone who is instinctively deferential. Late season 3 James Flint finds himself as a leader and a revolutionary, and this is not a man who meekly follows anyone - or who ever did! He was Thomas's partner, not his subordinate.

James McGraw came from nothing, but he made something of himself. More importantly, he did it twice; he had to remake himself as James Flint and he rose to the top there, too. He is not a man who ducks his head to a lord and wants someone else to make decisions for him. He is not a man who hopes his partner will be in command. (And let's be honest; his entire relationship with Silver in the later seasons shows that the man wants a partner, not someone to put above himself.) There is ambition in this man, hard-bitten and dangerous, and that darkness has always been there and always made him effective.

And even if James McGraw would have deferred to Thomas Hamilton...James Flint has grown. And no matter what the man says, Flint isn't a coat he can just take off when it's convenient, particularly after the later seasons. Flint is in his bones and his blood, and has changed who he is, for better or for worse. And James Flint is the kind of man who seeks a partner, not someone to follow.

[thelordismylightandmysalvation]

Verse of the Day - John 13:14

[theexodvs]

Disney movies aren't real. The Hallmark Channel isn't real. The Princess Bride isn't real. Romance novels aren't real. Adult videos aren't real. Hashtag-riddled Instagram posts of celebrity couples aren't real. 80s love ballads aren't real. And, as much as I hate to say it, The Addams Family isn't real.

Most Americans' (and Canadians') view of love is primarily influenced by one or more of these. Before one gets married, one needs to disavow all of these things as remotely realistic depictions of how couples are to love each other. Loving is an action, and if your concept of the act of loving is based primarily in self-fulfillment and emotion, your relationships are all doomed to fail.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Too many people try to impress you with what they have rather than what they have done to make the world a better place.

* * * *

君子喻於義，小人喻於��。

The superior man thinks of virtue; the small man thinks of comfort. The superior man thinks of righteousness; the small man thinks of material advantages he may gain for himself.

—Confucius (孔子), The Analects (論語) ch 4 (475 BCE)

[Scott Horton]

[550-leadership]

The Power of Servant Leadership: Identifying and Overcoming Leadership Blind Spots

Do you know your leadership blind spots? These hidden behaviors could be limiting your effectiveness and damaging team morale. Let’s explore how humility and constant vigilance can make a difference. #ServantLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfAwarenes

Leadership is often viewed as a blend of vision, decisiveness, and empathy. However, even the most skilled leaders can develop “blind spots”—unproductive behaviors invisible to themselves but glaringly apparent to others. These blind spots can impact decision-making, narrow awareness, and undermine team cohesion. Left unchecked, they can be particularly damaging in tough times, potentially…

[kdmiller55]

The First Shall Be Last

9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. – 3 John 1:9-10 ESV After praising Gaius for his…

[glj2025]

Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Leader—Lessons from the Bible and Modern Leadership Experts

By Orlando J. Alvarez Introduction In a world flooded with books on leadership, one figure stands out as the epitome of effective leadership: Jesus Christ. While contemporary authors like John C. Maxwell, Simon Sinek, and Stephen R. Covey offer valuable insights, many of their principles echo the timeless wisdom found in the Bible. This article explores how studying Jesus as the perfect leader…

[lighterr]

神学讲座（三）张立明 醫師

于主恩堂 9/22/2024 周日 基督徒对社会政治的态度与参与 在探讨基督徒对社会政治的态度与参与时，我们需要从圣经的教导出发，同时考虑现实世界的复杂性。这个主题涉及多个方面，包括爱与公平、公义的关���，基督徒在选举中的考量，以及教会在政治中的适当角色。 爱与公平、公义的关系 在社会政治参与中，基督徒常常需要平衡爱、公平和公义这三个核心价值。让我们深入探讨它们之间的关系： 爱是基础：耶稣教导我们，爱是最大的诫命（马太福音 22:36-40）。这种爱不仅包括对上帝的爱，也包括对邻舍的爱。真正的爱必然导致对公平和公义的追求。 公义的要求：爱不仅是一种感觉，也包括行动。弥迦书 6:8要求我们”行公义，好怜悯，存谦卑的心与你的神同行。”这表明公义和怜悯（爱的表现）是紧密相连的。 平衡恩典和真理：约翰福音描述耶稣”充充满满地有恩典有真理”（约翰福音…

[hamdun888]

Let's be the leader we are called to be

As I continue to review and process profound posts and comments on LinkedIn each week, the following from the brilliant and insightful coach and leader developer (and so much more) Mike Harbour of Harbour Resources inspired … “Be courageous and vulnerable and look in your own mirror”How many of us will truly do this?Most people in my experience can’t look at themselves in the mirror for more…

[bojackson54]

Leadership, Upside-down: The Man Who Led the Wrong Way

There are lots of different definitions of leadership, and many different ways to lead. Wikipedia says, “Controversial viewpoints are present in the literature, among Eastern and Western approaches to leadership, and also within the West, on US vs. European approaches.” I’m sure these approaches to leadership have their strong and weak points, but there’s a rarely used one in the Bible that’s…

[agile-transformation-leader]

Unveiling the Core Purpose of Servant Leadership in Agile Teams - Agilonomics

Discover how servant leadership can transform your team's productivity and collaboration in agile environments. By placing the needs of the team above all, servant leaders create an environment where individuals are empowered to excel. This leadership style focuses on facilitating growth, encouraging innovation, and building a culture of trust. The result is a more cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team capable of achieving outstanding results. If you're looking to boost your team's productivity while fostering a positive work culture, understanding the principles of servant leadership is essential.

[monsterkong]

Leadership and Culture: Lessons from Chick-fil-A’s Success Story 💡

In the world of business, few companies have managed to achieve the level of success and brand loyalty that Chick-fil-A enjoys. A key factor in this success is the company’s strong culture and leadership, which have been carefully cultivated over decades. In a recent episode of "Right About Now with Ryan Alford," Steve Robinson, the former Chief Marketing Officer of Chick-fil-A, shared his experiences and insights on how leadership and culture play a pivotal role in building a successful brand. Let’s explore the leadership lessons we can learn from Chick-fil-A’s journey.

The Role of Leadership in Defining Culture:

Steve Robinson’s journey with Chick-fil-A is a testament to the importance of leadership in defining and nurturing a company’s culture. When Robinson joined Chick-fil-A in 1981, the company was still finding its footing in the fast-food industry. However, under the leadership of founder Truett Cathy and COO Jimmy Collins, Chick-fil-A focused on building a strong cultural foundation that would set it apart from its competitors.

One of the first steps in this process was defining the company’s purpose. This was not just about setting financial goals, but about understanding why the business existed in the first place. Chick-fil-A’s purpose statement—“To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A”—became the guiding principle for every decision the company made.

Robinson emphasizes that this clarity of purpose was crucial in creating a culture where employees were not just workers, but stewards of the brand. This mindset was instilled from the top down, with leadership playing a key role in cultivating an environment where the company’s values were lived out every day.

Empowering Employees through Clear Values:

A significant part of Chick-fil-A’s success can be attributed to its commitment to clear and consistent values. Robinson explains that Chick-fil-A’s leadership team identified six core values that would guide the company’s decisions: stewardship, fun, integrity, honesty, excellence, and talent. These values were not just theoretical concepts; they were practical guidelines that influenced how the company operated on a daily basis.

By establishing these non-negotiables, Chick-fil-A created a culture where employees were empowered to make decisions that aligned with the company’s mission. This empowerment was crucial in creating a consistent brand experience across all locations, as employees at every level knew what was expected of them and were trusted to deliver on those expectations.

This approach also extended to the company’s unique operator model, where independent contractors, known as operators, were given the responsibility of running individual Chick-fil-A restaurants. This model ensured that each restaurant was led by someone who was deeply invested in the success of the business and committed to upholding the company’s values.

Long-Term Focus and the Power of Patience:

One of the key lessons Robinson shares is the importance of taking a long-term approach to business. In an industry that often prioritizes short-term gains and quick fixes, Chick-fil-A has consistently focused on building a brand that will stand the test of time. This long-term focus is evident in everything from their decision to close on Sundays to their commitment to empowering operators and employees.

Robinson explains that this long-term focus is deeply rooted in the company’s purpose and values. By prioritizing stewardship and customer experience over immediate profits, Chick-fil-A has been able to build a brand that is not only profitable but also sustainable. This approach requires patience and a willingness to invest in the future, rather than chasing short-term gains.

Leadership as a Servant Role:

Another crucial aspect of Chick-fil-A’s culture is the concept of servant leadership. This philosophy, which is deeply embedded in the company’s culture, emphasizes the importance of leaders serving their employees and customers, rather than the other way around. Robinson explains that this approach is inspired by biblical principles and reflects Truett Cathy’s belief that leadership is about serving others and creating a positive impact.

This servant leadership mindset is reflected in everything from the company’s interactions with customers to the way they empower operators and employees. By focusing on serving others, Chick-fil-A has been able to create a culture of trust and respect, where employees feel valued and customers feel appreciated.

Conclusion:

The leadership lessons shared by Steve Robinson offer valuable insights for anyone looking to build a successful and sustainable brand. By focusing on purpose, values, and servant leadership, Chick-fil-A has created a culture that is the foundation of its success. As Robinson’s story shows, true leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive and succeed.

As businesses continue to navigate the challenges of the modern marketplace, these lessons from Chick-fil-A’s journey serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of culture and leadership in building a brand that stands the test of time.

#ChickfilA #BusinessSuccess #BrandBuilding

[ossie50]

Why do you want to be a leader?

I was checking in recently with a friend and one time client who is in a crucial leadership role leading change in her business. Her comments left me with a couple of key revelations about her experiences since we last saw each other a few months back. The first was, in looking to establish partnerships with other players in the industry, how mediocre so many of them are in terms of business…

[550-leadership]

The Power of Servant Leadership: Defining Moral Character Through Stoicism

What does moral character look like in leadership? Marcus Aurelius’s Stoic teachings offer timeless guidance on consistency, self-awareness, and positive behavior. Read on to see how Stoic wisdom can elevate your leadership style.

In today’s leadership landscape, the value of moral character cannot be overstated. The foundation of servant leadership lies not only in strategic thinking but in the leader’s consistency, integrity, and self-awareness. Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher-emperor, offered guidance that resonates with leaders today. His words challenge us to cultivate moral character by maintaining composure,…

[itsfarmerphil]

W12D3: Waiting? How will you use your time till when it happens?

I heard about a message that was shared about waiting. I haven’t had a chance to watch/hear it yet but am looking forward to finding it and watching it today. As I hit Wednesday again, it makes me wonder what good there is in the waiting. You can’t see through or over the obstacle in the way and so you don’t know what’s going to happen next. There is anticipation building and a decision to choose…

[asrarblog]

The Servant Leadership – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #971