“Servant Leadership in Aircraft Maintenance: Balancing Personal Recognition and Team Development” “Balancing Self-Advancement and Servant Leadership: Practical Steps and Biblical Guidance”

Discussion Thread: Personal Application
Kevin L. Dunn
Liberty University
BUSI 502
Author Note
Kevin L. Dunn
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose
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What are the ways that the need for recognition can stifle servant leadership?
In the dynamic and high-stakes environment of aircraft maintenance in the Air Force, the need for recognition can often undermine servant leadership principles. When leaders prioritize personal accolades and visibility over the well-being and development of their team, it creates a culture where decisions are driven by self-interest rather than genuine service (Blanchard, K. 2018). Servant leadership, rooted in humility and putting others first, becomes compromised as leaders seek validation and advancement. This can result in a lack of transparency, diminished trust among team members, and a focus on short-term gains rather than long-term growth and empowerment.
How can personal career advancement stifle a desire to truly be a servant leader?
Personal career advancement in military careers, including aircraft maintenance, can inadvertently detract from servant leadership qualities. Leaders focused on climbing the ranks or securing prestigious assignments may prioritize individual achievements over team cohesion and mentorship. This can lead to a leadership approach that is transactional rather than transformational, where decisions are made to further personal goals rather than collective success. As a result, opportunities for mentorship, delegation, and fostering a collaborative team environment may be overlooked, hindering the development of future leaders and perpetuating a cycle of self-serving leadership.
In the midst of a busy life and daily schedule, what are some of the practical steps that you can take to become a better servant leader?
Amidst the demanding schedules of aircraft maintenance in the Air Force, practical steps can be taken to cultivate servant leadership qualities:
Lead by Example: Demonstrate humility and integrity in all interactions. Actively listen to team members, show empathy, and prioritize their well-being.
Mentorship and Development: Invest time in mentoring and developing your team. Provide opportunities for training and career advancement, and empower them to take on responsibilities.
Delegate and Empower: Delegate tasks and decision-making authority, trusting your team’s capabilities. Support them in their roles and celebrate their achievements.
Promote Open Communication: Foster a culture of transparency and open communication. Keep your team informed, encourage feedback, and address concerns promptly.
Align Actions with Values: Ensure that your leadership decisions align with servant leadership values. Prioritize service over self-interest, and seek opportunities to serve and support your team members.
From a biblical perspective, servant leadership mirrors Jesus Christ’s example of humility and sacrificial service (Mark 10:45). Philippians 2:3-4 encourages leaders to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This biblical mandate underscores the importance of selflessness, humility, and genuine care for others in leadership roles. Integrating servant leadership principles into aircraft maintenance roles within the Air Force requires intentional effort given the pressures of daily operations. By prioritizing humility, mentorship, and the well-being of the team over personal recognition or career advancement, leaders can foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence. This approach not only enhances mission effectiveness but also honors God through genuine servant leadership in service to others.
References
Blanchard, K. & Broadwell, R. (Eds.). (2018). Servant leadership in action: How you can achieve great relationships and results. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.
King James Bible. (2021). King James Bible Online.https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/(Original work published 176.
Lakin Tucker
Jun 26, 2024Jun 26 at 4:21pm
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Discussion Thread: Personal Application 
The need for recognition stifles servant leadership by directing one’s focus away from the core principles and instead directing it on worldly and self-centered values. According to Blanchard and Broadwell (2018), a leader is a direct product of the system that elevates them, meaning that the success that they enjoy is not a product of simply their own efforts, but it is also a result of the efforts of the team around them. Therefore, it is critical that leaders recognize that they do not enjoy success solely based on their own doing. Oftentimes countless individuals devote their time and energy to elevate the standing of their leader and it is necessary that they too receive attention and appreciation from the leader for their sacrifice. This can be accomplished in several ways, but one main strategy is for the leader to deflect the credit away from themselves and direct it towards the team that supported and enabled them to receive the recognition.  
Personal career advancement can stifle a desire to be a servant leader by fostering pride and self-centeredness, overtaking a leader’s thoughts, and clouding their ability to execute the proper qualities. When the leader’s needs become greater than those of their followers, servant leadership becomes compromised and no longer exercised. To be fair, if one desires to continue to progress in their career, then attention does need to be paid to their own development and advancement. However, this requires the leader to effectively balance efforts, and in turn may require them to compromise time in other areas of their lives to ensure they have enough time to focus on their followers’ needs and their own.   
In the midst of a busy life and daily schedule, key Bible verses can be looked to for guidance to ensure that servant leadership remains upheld. For example, in the New Testament it says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (KJV Everyday Study Bible, 2018, 1 Peter 5:6). Additionally, the Bible warns us about the dangers of simply looking after ourselves, saying,” When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (KJV Everyday Study Bible, 2018, Proverbs 11:2). 
Another practical step that Crowther (2018) details that can be used to become a better servant leader is to follow the example of Jesus. Although He was omniscient and was not required to, Jesus humbled himself in order to model and teach us the way that an effective servant leader should conduct oneself. A fitting example of His servitude is the story in the New Testament of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples before His crucifixion. This was the ultimate display of servant leadership, one that showed that no matter how powerful a person may be, they are never too good to honor and serve their subordinates. 
References 
Blanchard, K. H., & Broadwell, R. (Eds.). (2018). Servant leadership in action how you can achieve great relationships and results. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. 
Crowther, S. (2018). Biblical servant leadership: an exploration of leadership for the contemporary context. Palgrave Macmillan.  
KJV Everyday Study Bible. (2018). Holman Bible Publishers.  

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