Discussion Responses

  

responses (50 words for each response)

discussion 1

Servant leadership refers to a philosophy and a set of practices that enhances the lives of people and helps in building a better organization. The primary goal of servant leader is the growth and well being of people as well as the communities to which they belong.
The example of a historic servant leader is Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln adopted the servant leadership style and the American Civil War provided a platform to demonstrate the leadership capabilities. There are two most lasting impact of his leadership, which includes – the preservation of the Union and the freeing of the slaves. Lincoln was committed to serve the greater good for the majority of people and this thought was highly appreciated and forever changed the country for generations that have followed. During his presidency, Lincoln was able to produce a radical and transformational change in the United States. He was able to confirm the United States’s position in the world as the premier example of a working democracy, thus extended the opportunity for liberty to all citizens of the United States.
Lincoln was able to fulfil the moral obligations to leaf through compassion, kindness, and justice by recognizing the fundamental United States values of liberty, life and the pursuit of happiness. The culture of the United States in 19th century suggested that only a selected portion of individuals was entitled to the opportunity to pursue these liberties and Abraham set out to challenge this unwritten cultural beliefs of the United States that affected several generations in the nation. Lincoln uncovered the precepts and held beliefs that conflicted with the true values of humanity and set out to awaken the consciousness of the United States. He also gave the United States the courage to move in the right direction that began with the sixteenth president.
Thus, it can be said that a servant leader is able to serve in an ethical manner. Their attitude towards leading by serving others is an intrinsic motivator and at the heart of servant leadership. For them, leadership is not gaining power rather it is the desire to lead others.
“The heart of The City – The Java Grounds” is a better example displayed through true volunteerism and acts of service to others. This a place where I wish was near me so i can just go there to buy coffee and pour some love to the kids working there. I really wish every company can be like this, where they are not only making money for impacting our children to be the future of tomorrow.

discussion 2 
A servant leader that immediately comes to mind who had a significant impact on his community is William Booth. Born in Nottingham, UK, Booth sought out Christian businessmen who had a heart for the poor and disadvantaged. The result was the birth of The Christian Mission in 1865 which would become The Salvation Army. With a focus on the practical and spiritual needs of the community, Booth and his wife ministered to the lost and forgotten, those who were rejected by traditional Christianity. Booth believed that inclusion was a powerful aspect of their ministry despite opposition from certain segments of their community. He believed that there was no person unworthy of redemption. In 1878, the organization was renamed The Salvation Army with the inspiration of fighting society’s injustices and bringing individuals to God. The Salvation Army went international in 1879 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a thriving international organization to this day.
Booth could never have anticipated the global impact of his small investment in Nottingham. The story reminds me of the video blog, Drew Dudley in his TED Talk ‘Everday Leadership’ (ASK Europe, 2013). Dudley recounts a lollipop incident emphasizing that our greatest achievements are not in the large moments but in the day-to-day interactions. According to Ecclesiastes 11:1 (ESV), “cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days” (ESV). King Solomon was referring to faith and perseverance in mundane activities. We are to invest ourselves, our gifts, our time, and our resources. This is why service is more powerful to the servant than the receiver. Not only will our bread return, but it will also return abundantly. In a letter to the Galatian church, Paul states “let us now grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9, NIV).
References:
ASK Europe (2013, February 20). Drew Dudley ‘everyday leadership’ – TED Talks [Video file].
       Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR2UnsOuKxo
The Salvation Army (2019). Transforming lives since 1865. Retrieved from
https://story.salvationarmy.org/
discussion 3
My servant leadership volunteer experience was done at the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army aims to: rehabilitate addicts, provide emergency response and resources, family tracing, providing health clinics, advance international development and to provide social care (“Our Work”, 2019). I specifically chose to volunteer at the Salvation Army because I donate clothes at my local store during the holidays, and I’ve always liked what the organization stood for and the positive atmosphere. Moreover, I was able to witness the joy the organization brings struggling families when they give them the resources they need to get back on their feet after tragedy.
My volunteer experience was well enjoyed, and I plan to volunteer at my local store more often. The first day of volunteering entailed answering phones and organizing paperwork by alphabetical order. I believe that this helped me to practice and exhibit kindness and compassion because I realized just how busy the Salvation Army stores can get during the day. I was glad to help the store employees do their jobs so that they did not have to feel overwhelmed or burned out. The employees kept thanking me for my service, and it made me feel good to know that I was useful and not in the way. My other volunteer days allowed me to interact with families who were in need. I had the opportunity to set up tables and chairs in order to serve the adults and children lunch in a small auditorium. After setting up, I was able to assist those who were taking their bagged lunches to go. Somehow, I found myself being the “lunch babysitter,” allowing moms to eat or go to the restroom while I entertained their little ones briefly. I believe this was the most character-building part of my experience, because it brought tears to my eyes at how some parents were so thankful just to get two minutes to themselves. Being that I am not yet a parent, I was glad to be a servant to those who work so hard to be great parents amid hard times. Also, it helped me to think less of myself and more about others. It made me feel so good to make so many people’s day through volunteering at the Salvation Army. The joy that I found in this experience assures me that it is truly more rewarding to serve others over your own self.
References:
Our Work. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/ourwork