Not for-profit organizational leaders' self-perception of servant leadership characteristics

This study was performed to explore not for-profit organizational leaders' perceptions of servant leadership characteristics and to discover how these perceptions compare to Larry Spears' (1998) concept of servant leadership characteristics. In this study, 14 Level 5 leaders were interviewed utilizing the qualitative methodology of a Behavioral Event Interview. The participants held management positions such as CEO, vice president, executive director, grand master and manager. The research study found that the participants' perception of Spears' ten characteristics of servant leadership supported Spears' description. It found that the majority of the leaders were familiar with the term servant leadership and expressed informed awareness. And the study found that the leaders have a passionate appreciation for servant leadership characteristics. The characteristics were frequently referred to as humane characteristics---"humane traits that all leaders must have" (participant 11). It is clear that these leaders have found a purpose in life---a purpose to serve others---and the characteristics of servant leadership keep them focused on this purpose. The qualitative responses from the participants were rich and robust. The depth, degree of personal disclosure, as well as the level of sharing was humbling. It is obvious that these leaders have found a way to experience a meaningful and fulfilling work that leads to great satisfaction.