Analyze your volunteer experience by writing a 1,000-1,250 word reflection focused on your volunteer experience. Examine how volunteering enabled you to practice the principles of servant leadership. Reference and address the following in the paper.
- Summarize your servant leadership volunteer opportunity by sharing the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the experience.
- Which of Greenleaf’s principles of servant leadership did you implement and learn the most about through completing the servant leadership experience? Provide examples in your discussion.
- Both Greenleaf and the biblical passages referenced in the various Topic Materials focus on the idea that power comes from giving it away and that taking the role of a servant can make one a leader. Discuss whether or not your servant leadership volunteer opportunity helped you to find yourself as a leader in this way. Provide supporting examples.
- Use examples from your servant leadership volunteer opportunity to discuss the idea that serving others as a leader might influence change or produce a positive impact for the greater good.
- Think about your personal leadership skills and style and discuss what your learned about yourself as a servant leader from completing the volunteer opportunity.
- Looking forward, how will you use what you have learned about the principles of servant leadership in your workplace, organizations with which you are involved, and in your personal life?
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Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Volunteering for a servant leadership experience can be an enriching and rewarding opportunity for individuals looking to gain personal and professional growth. In this assignment, students are asked to reflect on their volunteer experience and analyze how it allowed them to practice and implement the principles of servant leadership. This paper will provide guidelines and address the different aspects required for the assignment.
1. Summarize your servant leadership volunteer opportunity by sharing the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the experience.
My servant leadership volunteer opportunity was with a local non-profit organization that served the homeless community in my area. I volunteered twice a week for six months, assisting in the daily operation of the organization’s shelter. My tasks included welcoming and checking in clients, preparing and serving meals, and helping with the organization of the facility.
The non-profit was open 365 days a year and served as a temporary housing solution for homeless individuals and families. The organization aimed to help clients transition out of homelessness by offering employment training programs, education, and case management services. The shelter was located in a low-income neighborhood, providing an accessible solution to the homeless population.
2. Which of Greenleaf’s principles of servant leadership did you implement and learn the most about through completing the servant leadership experience? Provide examples in your discussion.
During my volunteer experience, I implemented various principles of servant leadership taught by Greenleaf, with empathy and listening being the most prominent. Empathy allowed me to understand the needs and struggles of the homeless community better. As I assisted clients, I listened and engaged in their stories, providing a space for emotional support and validation.
Additionally, I learned about the principle of stewardship. The non-profit organization focused on the bigger picture, helping to improve clients’ lives holistically. This practice taught me to appreciate the impact one can achieve when serving others selflessly and comprehensively.
3. Discuss whether or not your servant leadership volunteer opportunity helped you to find yourself as a leader in this way. Provide supporting examples.
Volunteering in a servant leadership role allowed me to find my leadership style. As I interacted with clients, I learned to balance humility and assertiveness in decision-making and assisting them.
My volunteer experience also taught me the importance of leading by example. Seeing the compassion and dedication of the organization’s leadership motivated me to exemplify their actions. By providing service without expecting anything in return, I found that everyone has the potential to become a leader.
4. Use examples from your servant leadership volunteer opportunity to discuss the idea that serving others as a leader might influence change or produce a positive impact for the greater good.
Working with a non-profit organization that served the homeless population taught me that serving others resulted in a positive impact for the greater good. Due to the organization’s holistic approach, clients received more than just a warm bed for the night. Residents, who arrived with feelings of hopelessness, found a sense of belonging and community. The services offered gave them access to education, employment, and resources to improve their lives.
Moreover, the non-profit organization impacted the community positively by reducing homelessness rates, crime rates, and ensuring that community resources could be used efficiently. The organization’s success was a result of the dedication, passion, and selflessness of its leadership and volunteers.
5. Think about your personal leadership skills and style and discuss what you learned about yourself as a servant leader from completing the volunteer opportunity.
Through my volunteer experience, I learned that my leadership style involves thoughtful listening, empathy, and leading by example. I recognized that to become a great leader, one must practice humility and the willingness to serve others. By coming to the role as a servant leader with an open mind and heart, the experience provides both personal fulfillment and creates a positive impact in the community.
6. Looking forward, how will you use what you have learned about the principles of servant leadership in your workplace, organizations with which you are involved, and in your personal life?
I will practice the principles of servant leadership in all aspects of my life. Volunteering for a servant leadership role highlighted that leading by serving exemplifies empathy, active listening, stewardship, and leading by example. I will implement these principles in the workplace by developing an open-door policy for employees to express their concerns. Furthermore, I will adopt active listening and empathy while working with clients. Outside of work, I hope to become more involved in community outreach to assist individuals in need.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, volunteering for a servant leadership role provides individuals with an excellent opportunity to develop both personally and professionally. The role allows individuals to practice empathy, active listening, and leading by example. Servant leadership creates a positive impact on the community, making it a fulfilling experience for all those involved.
