Leaders as Servants to Ideas and People

"Institutions function better when the idea, the dream, is to the fore, and the person, the leader is seen as servant of the idea ... It is the idea that unites people in the common effort, not the charisma of the leader ... Far too many of our contemporary institutions do not have an adequate dream, an imaginative concept that will raise people's sights close to where they have the potential to be ...(78)"
From The Power of Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf

I do believe that we should always reach for our potential; There is always something to learn.  However, sociology major undergrad that I am, I realize the importance of dynamics with people.  So I also recommend reading 151 Quick Ideas to Improve Your People Skills by Robert E. Dittmer and Stephanie McFarland.

And while we are on the topic of institutional/personal potential and communication skills VERSUS the mentality that the person with the most power (e.g. loudest voice, strongest kick) K.O.s ... OK's the role of leader ... try The Gentle Art of Communicating with Kids: From Toddlers to Teens by Suzette Haden Elgin, Ph.D.

I'm liking that I can now rightfully post 

images of book covers

that I find fascinating 

and appropriate to the topics of this blog.

Enjoy ... and please feel free to make a comment!