| The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of 25 highly effective judges in the town and village courts of New York State. Maire, Bronet, and Pillet (2005) proposed organizations needed to study the best individuals to build on the strengths of their experience (p. 51). The researcher judge asked a diverse population of experts to identify highly effective participant judges and the reasons why that individual judge came to mind. The research protocol with the purposeful sample of 25 highly effective judges ignited the voices of the participant judges sharing insight into wearing the robe. The findings revealed an approach employing the humility of level five leadership (Collins, 2001), servant leadership (Greenleaf, 1977), and stewardship (Block, 1996, 2008). In the process of the naturalistic interviewing conversations, the participant judges demonstrated an authenticity of a natural servant. Amongst the findings, power with grace, empowerment of others, and the creation of space for healing (P. Block, personal communication, February 27, 2009) formed an understanding of stewardship in the judicial role: Making a Difference: Judicial Stewards in the Town and Village Courts of New York State. |
