International Journal of Servant-Leadership
Abstract
Nested among the many inspiring traits of Abraham Lincoln was his ability to perceive accurately the nature of a person. Donald T. Phillips (1992) therefore raises the challenge, “If modern leaders don’t intuitively understand human nature as well as Lincoln did, they should at least make an attempt to learn more on the subject” (p. 35). This article is an attempt to foster that end, in my own life as a leader, as well as within the lives of those who take the time to read these words. A leader’s lasting impact for good or for ill rests upon this. One may find, as Robert K. Greenleaf (1977/2002) insightfully noted, “It is part of the enigma of human nature that the ‘typical’ person—immature, stumbling, inept, lazy—is capable of great dedication and heroism if wisely led” (p. 35). The following will explore three nature-of-a-person statements. The first will be covered in greatest length as it is foundational for the latter two. Each subsequent statement will build upon what came before with insights for leadership being explicated at every level and brought to conclusion at the end.
Recommended Citation
Von Behren, Michael T.
(2021)
"A Door Ajar, Peering Into the Nature of a Person: Three Insights for Servant-Leadership,"
International Journal of Servant-Leadership: Vol. 15, Article 2.
DOI: 10.33972/ijsl.10
Available at:
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/ijsl/vol15/iss1/2
Copyright Information
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