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International Journal of Servant-Leadership

Abstract

Bruce Springsteen and Robert K. Greenleaf. Two very different men, born into different ages, different environments, different careers. Yet, despite all of their differences, these two men share much in common. Beyond certain superficial similarities-during the 1950s and '60s they lived a short distance from one another in New Jersey-we contend that Springsteen and Greenleaf share a commitment to what has come to be called "servant-leadership," and to a set of characteristics that exemplify servant-leaders. We live in an age of deepening cynicism-a time where a lack of integrity and mistrust abound. Yet, we see in the writings of Robert Greenleaf, and in the music and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen, a powerful antidote to cynicism and despair. While much has been written about Springsteen as a musical artist, and as a pop icon, we believe that this is the first look at Bruce Springsteen as a contemporary servant-leader. Through an examination of the lyrics and life of Bruce Springsteen in relation to key elements of servant-leadership, and especially ten characteristics associated with servant-leaders, it is our belief that Springsteen is an essential contemporary servant-leader and prophet.

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