Servant Leadership

Abstract

Projects are made by people and for people, hence programs and portfolios as well. Yet, most projects have failed right here, especially since it was not until lately that people became truly recognized and incorporated in project management. It has been a mistake to think that people leave their personalities at home when going to work. So attracting, engaging and integrating people with their own interests, feelings, ideas, and competencies is not optional but required in project, program, and portfolio management. Especially since the complexity and uncertainty certainly bring about emotions in people. This necessitates a form of leadership that is suited to this environment, and servant leadership is one such form, where the people really are the centre of attention with the executive being a true leader rather than a boss. C.f. James W. Sipe and Don M. Frick in their book "Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership", servant leadership is attained by implementing seven things:

1. Person of character
2. Putting people first
3. Being a skilled communicator
4. Being af compassionate collaborator
5. Having foresight
6. Being a Systems Thinker
7. Having moral authority