What is Servant Leadership?

In business, I’ve adopted servant leadership as my management philosophy. I’ll leave it to you to explore the concept further, but here are some of its core tenets, applied to public service:

• Service - A servant leader’s primary goal is to serve, not the pursuit of a personal agenda.
• Collaboration - A servant leader works collaboratively, placing the needs of constituents and local leaders first.
• Humility - Leadership is not about being served — it’s about serving with humility.
• Empowerment - The true measure of success is whether those being served thrive, become increasingly independent, and are more inclined to serve others in turn. 

Applying these principles as a member of the North Carolina House means putting the needs and well-being of constituents above personal or political gain. Robert K. Greenleaf, who coined the term “servant leadership,” emphasized qualities like listening, empathy, stewardship, and a deep commitment to the growth of others.

In practice, this means actively engaging with community members and local officials to understand concerns, encourage open dialogue, and make decisions that reflect the will of the people, not just my own views. Servant leaders in government prioritize ethical use of authority, shared goals, and the empowerment of communities.

By following these principles, I hope to rebuild trust, promote civic engagement, and create policies that truly meet the needs of our communities. It’s a leadership approach grounded in humility and a sincere desire to serve, and I believe it makes governance more effective for everyone.