Voluntary Subordination

Abstract

This chapter discusses the first dimension of servant leadership, Voluntary Subordination, which signifies the leader’s conviction to renounce the superior status and privileges attached to leadership in order to embrace greatness by way of servanthood. Examining how servant leaders view and treat power show why the willingness to selflessly serve others is the defining dimension of servant leadership. The first two servant leadership values associated with Voluntary Subordination, Being a Servant and Acts of Service, are subsequently elaborated. The chapter concludes with a contrast between self-serving leaders and servant leaders, and seven actionable commitments pertinent these values.