The term servant leadership is subject to a number of myths and misconceptions. When implementing this leadership practice, Jim Collins, retired President/COO for Chick-fil-A opted not to use the term Servant Leader and instead use the term “Level 5 Leader” because of concerns about misinterpretations surrounding the term Servant Leader. (Lichtenwalner, (2021).
The Myth of Unquestioning Subservience to Followers
Many leaders believe that servant leadership involves blindly validating whatever subordinates wish to do without question. In truth, servant leaders must make hard decisions and often go against the wishes of followers for the greater good of the organization. (Lichtenwalner, (2021).
The Myth of Hyper-Focusing Exclusively on Followers
Many dissenters of Servant Leadership believe that’s servant these leaders think only of being of service to followers. In truth, those practicing servant leadership must focus on serving all stakeholders (staff, partners, constituents, and the community). (Lichtenwalner, (2021).
The Myth of Contemporary Servant Leadership being Religious in Nature
Examples of Servant Leadership are present throughout the Bible and in the majority of religions. However, the concept of Servant Leadership alone, is secular in nature yet may have some connections to spirituality. (Lichtenwalner, 2021).
Servant Leadership Under a Critical Lens
Hawkins (2009) Spears (1995) offer criticisms based on the work of leadership theorists. In terms of servant leadership, for example, Spears (1995) asserts that servant-leaders are dreamers who need to refine their conceptualizing lens “to address problems that arise from a more global perspective rather than just from within their work environment” (Spears, 1995, p. 6). They need to focus on employee needs but not at the expense of the stakeholder or the community. (Hawkins, 2009).