Servant and Shepherd Leadership in Higher Education

Abstract

To lead, you must serve, mentor, and teach others. Servant leadership is the systematic process of developing the needs of servants ahead of those leaders found within private or public institutions. Shepherd leadership individually provides others with empowerment and achievement to perform well. The principle behind effective leadership is based on the interplay of responsibility, respect, care, and working with people, not against people. Ultimately, leadership is about character and substance. Using the distinct characteristics of servant leadership and shepherd leadership is to promote and foster the development of successful individuals and relating well with individuals through care and a strong commitment. Honest and caring concern for others leads to empowerment and emotional support, which inspires the members to embrace the needs of the organization. This creates a mentoring and learning environment in higher education that is conducive to producing optimal performance from their faculty, staff, and students.