Servant leadership : the path to success

Abstract

Leadership has been explored extensively by many scholars worldwide, especially in publications by scholars such as Robert Greanleaf, Gene Wilkes and many others. Most of these books on leadership are written from a Western epistemological perspective and are applied to a Western context. These books on leadership indeed make a valuable contribution to the study of leadership but are, in some sense, only relevant to the context being addressed. There is a growing need for leadership to be applied to an African context. The importance and valuable contribution this book makes is that leadership, typified as servant leadership, is applied in an African context.

In his book, Kgatle distinguishes between two styles of leadership: the decision-making model (autocratic, democratic, consultative and team directed) and path-goal model (directive, supportive, participative and achievement-oriented). Kgatle singles out servant leadership as a different style of leadership that neither follows the decision-making model nor the path-goal model. Servant Leadership, he argues, is centred on service.

Kgatle discusses leadership misconceptions that he derives from Mark 10:35-37, namely kinship, self-interest, position, competition, and lordship and authority and also organisational misconceptions such as management, education, age, long service and infallibility. Servant leadership principles such as follower, suffering, divine appointment, service, humility, listening, vision, growth, stewardship and building a team are also discussed. These principles are epitomised by the Markan Jesus.

This book makes New Testament research and scholarship relevant to Africans and, concomitantly, enhances the theory and practice of indigenous Christian theology. Aspiring leaders across the globe, and those interested in leadership, will experience this book as a worthwhile read.

Prof Ernest Van Eck, Department of New Testament Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa.