The Positivity of Washington’s Servant Leadership

How did George Washington exercise leadership to achieve positive outcomes? Our nation’s founding father utilized his expertise and knowledge to develop the United States of America with leadership. Specifically, a servant leadership style or as mentioned in Leadership: Theory and Practice, “leadership both service and influence” (Northouse 225). If leadership is influencing, how does one practice servicing others as well? Many leaders aspire to become leader in sake of their cause. They choose to lead among those who share a common goal in their leadership styles. Although, servant leadership focuses on leaders responding to the needs of their followers, being able to care and be there for them. Servant leaders want to serve others for the sake of prioritizing the well-being of their followers. It is derived from the philosophical idea of contributing to greater good because of ethics. Washington embodies the “conscious choice that brings one to aspire to lead” (Northouse 226). Joseph J. Ellis addresses the leadership of George Washington in a calm but inspiring manner in His Excellency; he also portrays Washington as having strong integrity and commitment to the cause, which is fundamental in servant leadership. Washington used his servant leadership to shape the nation in having a governing system that effectively managed power, working for others and the community as well as divided up roles and responsibilities to achieve positive outcomes.

George Washington’s desired outcome of his leadership efforts was to attain American victory in the war whilst developing a new nation. His main style reflects servant leadership in many of the characteristics such as putting followers first. For example, when it came down to the envy and possible threats from his men and being called His Excellency, went against his ideals of not having a monarchial system.  He knew they admired his strengths and his greatness. Instead of lashing out and standing up to them he took it all in and remained silent to preserve the stability and harmony of the follower and leader relationship. Washington “placed the followers’ interests and success ahead of those of his own” (Northouse 234). How did he place the interests of his followers ahead of his own? By prioritizing the needs of the country and his men. He understood by acting negatively he could jeopardize the operation entirely. In consideration for his men, he acted professionally and endured everything that came his way. 

  Leaders like George Washington are usually praised for their morale compass and integrity. His leadership style had incorporated good ethics like honor and commitment. Washington embodied behaving ethically in a few ways. One example is by demonstrating integrity. “Though not without faults, he established a precedent of selfless service and moral integrity in the American armed forces, a legacy that lives on in the nation he helped create” (Orlikoff). This quote reflects Washington’s dedication and commitment to the cause. Orlikoff praises Washington’s moral integrity and ethical behavior relating to the military. Another reason could be towards the end of his life he “freed his slaves, providing at the same time for the old and infirm among them, and setting aside large sums for the founding of a university and of a free school for poor children” (Schmidt 141). This example can be difficult to argue with as having slaves was wrong. But as time had progressed Washington’s view on slaves had changed, which may be the reason why he decided to emancipate them. 

“Leaders are responsible for modeling behavior based on the values they communicate” (Kouzes and Posner). George Washington is a prime example of leading by example. For instance, becoming the commander-in-chief of the continental army. Taking on this role came with many responsibilities and challenges. Washington implemented “Leaders go first” by leading in the front and taking the challenges head on. Challenges that often-required traits like commitment, discipline, honor etc. “Washington fully recognized that by accepting the appointment as commander in chief he was making a personal pledge before anyone else. And if he failed in the high-stakes gamble, his Mount Vernon estate would be confiscated, his name would become a slur throughout the land, and his own neck would almost surely be stretched” (Ellis 30). This quote highlights Washington’s commitment to the nation in taking his military role and upholding his duties because he is dedicated to the cause.

The causes or outcomes achieved were all due to his leadership. The servant leadership behaviors lead to the positive outcomes attained by Washington. Using many characteristics associated with the Servant Leadership Model, George Washington demonstrated a proficient ability to complete his goals. With his role as commander in the continental army, Washington became victorious in many battles. With discipline and honor, he was able to uphold the servant leadership behaviors and lead for his men and country. 

Citation

Ellis, Joseph J. His Excellency : George Washington. Alfred A. Knopf, 2004. 

Kouzes, James M., and Barry Z. Posner. The Truth about Leadership : The No-Fads, Heart-of-The-Matter Facts You Need to Know. Jossey-Bass, 2010. 

Northouse, Peter. Leadership: Theory and Practice. 8th ed., Sage Publications, 2019. 

Orlikoff, A. J. “National Museum of the United States Army.” Www.thenmusa.org, www.thenmusa.org/biographies/george-washington/. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023. 

Schmidt, Ferdinand. “George Washington.” Https://Www.gutenberg.org/Files/60236/60236-h/60236-H.htm, 4 Sept. 2019, www.gutenberg

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