What is Servant Leadership?
At Parkland Smile Initiative, leadership is not defined by titles, roles, or authority. It’s defined by service.
Servant leadership is a philosophy rooted in the work of Robert K. Greenleaf, who asked a simple but profound question:
“Do those served grow as persons?”
This question lives at the core of our work. We exist to serve children, families, students, and underserved communities. And through that service, we lead—not by commanding, but by listening. Not by controlling, but by empowering. Not by being seen, but by seeing others.
Greenleaf’s Principles of Servant Leadership
We are guided by the principles outlined in Greenleaf’s work, including:
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Listening – We pay attention before we act. Our work begins with understanding.
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Empathy – We honor the stories, struggles, and strengths of those we serve.
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Awareness – We are reflective and self-aware in our leadership and impact.
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Foresight – We act today with a clear view of how it shapes tomorrow.
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Stewardship – We take seriously the care of people, resources, and trust.
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Commitment to the Growth of People – We exist to create space for others to rise.
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Building Community – We lead not alone, but together—by lifting up those around us.
“The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.”
– Robert K. Greenleaf
Why It Matters at PSI
We have chosen a career of service—to support those often overlooked and underserved. But service without leadership can burn out. And leadership without service can lose its way.
We believe servant leadership is the bridge between the two.
Whether we’re mentoring a student, delivering oral health education, or advocating for systemic change, we strive to lead by example—quietly, humbly, and fiercely.
Because when leadership grows from service, everyone rises.