Marc Anderson

A new moral principle is emerging which holds that the only authority deserving one’s allegiance is that which is freely and knowingly granted by the led to the leader in response to, and in proportion to, the clearly evident servant stature of the leader.  Those who choose to follow this principle will not casually accept the authority of existing institutions.  Rather, they will freely respond only to individuals who are chosen as leaders because they are proven and trusted servants.  To the extent that this principle prevails in the future, the only truly viable institutions will be those that are predominantly servant-led. ~ Robert K. Greenleaf

Rather than a set of skills, capacities and tools, servant leadership is a way of being in the world, a philosophy for life deeply rooted in a deep and honest assessment of the self and a recognition that all of life is related on a very deep and elemental level.  This understanding, which for me is still evolving, leads me to take seriously my responsibility to serve for the benefit of all living things in the greater world that we live in, especially for those less fortunate than myself.  This responsibility, a sacred call born out of the source of being, requires that I broaden my awareness, practice utmost empathy and compassion, and actively promote and practice forgiveness in my daily life.  My deepest desire has always been to help others by maximizing my gifts, talents, and skills for the benefits of others while helping them to identify and maximize their full potential.

The primary elements of effective leadership development are in many ways internal ones.  Things such as perception, awareness, striving for personal intellectual, spiritual and emotional maturity, a transformation of self, which then surfaces in our relationships and the way we interact with others (Carey, 2012).  Leadership involving intellectual, spiritual and emotional maturity is a discipline anchored in will and love which calls us to greater service to others and our environment.  This maturity allows for greater, more insightful discernment.

All of life is relational.  Leadership is a relational art with servant-leadership as a profoundly relational philosophy of leadership.  My understanding of leadership has been greatly enhanced through the interaction with my instructors and fellow students who have taken a page from Robert Greenleaf’s “Best Test” in helping me to become “healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous” in my leadership approach.  The interconnectedness and the sense of inspiration and wonder I have experienced in these relationships have reinforced my belief in the power of healthy relationships and encouraged me to continue on a developmental journey, digging deep into the self, considering my current place in life, and addressing a deeper “knowing” found in the heart in an attempt to connect with my highest future self.

I see leadership as an interactive process which demands the caring collaboration of leader and follower alike in an integral dance (primus inter pares).  I see leadership as a collective effort which combines the skills of each individual in the organization to achieve the desired results.  I further understand the “primus” as leader as needing foremost among other things, the ability to recognize and help others identify and build upon their intrinsic gifts, talents and skills…  leadership as a learned behavior where we all have an opportunity to lead and in the process, develop and add to our personal and organizational development.

As a part of my leadership journey, I would like to help others initiate a journey to identify Source, understand the reality of interdependence, cultivate a deeper awareness, refine their call, their true vocation, and create a healthier, happier, more peaceful world.  One can practice servant-leadership in any situation and find joy in simple acts of kindness and service.  I hope to remain true to this calling and a continued expansion of what it means to truly lead through service.