The World's Most Powerful Leadership Principle.

Book Review.

Hunter, James C. The World’s Most Powerful Leadership Principle. How to become a servant leader.

Comment. Henry
The term ‘servant-leader’ could well be considered a paradox. The reality is, this is exactly what Christ was and his teachings are clear on this very important principle of leadership. This resource addresses the topic simply and effectively. The challenge is implementing the principle. You cannot become a servant leader by reading a book no more than you can learn to swim by reading a book. Although this a very biblical concept the endorsements of this book all come from market place leaders.

Leadership is defined as “The skills of influencing people to enthusiastically work toward goals identified as being for the common good, with character that inspires confidence”. (32) Management is not leadership. There are serious responsibilities that come with leadership. “Life is not so much what happens to us it is how we respond to what happens to us.” (49) Servant leadership does not abdicate responsibility but becomes responsive to those that are being led.

There are fundamental differences between power and authority. The greatest leader ever explained leadership simply. “If you choose to lead, you must serve.” He was talking about leading with authority not power. The sowing/reaping principle applies. When you serve, you will be served.

We are introduced to the concept of “volitional love’ (85) as part of the equation of servant leadership. It is defined as, “The act of extending yourself for others by identifying and meeting their legitimate needs and seeking their greatest good”. (86) Love, leadership and character are all involved in doing the right thing. This requires patience, kindness, humility, respect, selflessness, forgiveness, honesty, communication, trust and commitment.






We learn more by listening than by talking. “Listening is the sincerest form of flattery.” (Joyce Brothers) Forget about being interesting and work at being interested. Toughness and sincere affection can and should co-exist.

Having the power of choice between good and evil is something unique about human nature. By this nature our tendency is toward bad behavior. Our choices determine our character. “Not all change is progress, but all progress does require change.” (151) Three crucial areas are defined when it comes to implementation of servant leadership. First there must be a solid foundation of information. Once the principles are being applied there must be continuous feedback from the people that are being led. There must be an ongoing process of commitment to change where ‘gaps’ are eliminated and accountability is in place “on your journey toward continuous improvement.” (184)