Chapter 01 : The Servant Leader: A Funny Guide for Kids
Servant leadership is about guiding others with empathy, patience. It’s not about being the boss, but about helping others grow—together, overcoming challenges and celebrating the journey.
What Is a Servant Leader?
Picture this: You’re the head chef at a pizza party. A bossy leader might say, “I’m in charge! Only I get to decide the toppings!” Meanwhile, everyone else sits there staring at plain pizza dough.
But a servant leader? They’re the fun chef who says, “Hey team, let’s make this pizza together. You do the cheese, I’ll handle the pepperoni, and if someone wants pineapple, well... we’ll talk about that later.”
And here’s the kicker: servant leaders don’t just shout “Good job!” at everything, even if it’s a disaster. They give helpful feedback like:
“Great job making the pizza! Next time, let’s bake it before we eat it.”
“Love your creativity! Maybe we use a little less ketchup and a little more tomato sauce?”
The Four Key Concepts of Servant Leadership
No Me: As a servant leader, it’s not all about you. You don’t hog the spotlight or think you’re the only one who can do things right. Instead, you share tasks and celebrate team success. When the pizza’s done, everyone’s involved!
No Giving Up: Sometimes things don’t go as planned—maybe the pizza burns or the toppings are all over the place. But a servant leader doesn’t give up or quit. They say, “We’ll try again, no problem!” They lead by example, showing that persistence and patience are key to success.
No Bias: A servant leader treats everyone fairly, no matter their skills or background. Maybe one person is great at kneading dough and another excels at topping, but everyone is equally important. You make sure everyone feels valued and no one is left out.
No Fear: Fear holds people back from taking risks, whether it’s trying a new pizza recipe or facing a challenge. A servant leader isn’t afraid to try new things, and they encourage others to step out of their comfort zones too. If a volcano doesn’t erupt in science class, a servant leader says, “No problem, let’s fix it together!”
Where Are You on the Servant Leader Scale?
Time for a self-check! Let’s see how close you are to becoming a servant leader. Rate yourself honestly on these questions:
Group Projects:
(1) Do everything yourself because no one else can do it “right.”
(5) Share tasks, but secretly wish you’d just done it all.
(10) Help everyone find jobs they love and pitch in when needed.
When a Friend Messes Up:
(1) Laugh and say, “Wow, you’re bad at this!”
(5) Say, “It’s okay,” but roll your eyes when they’re not looking.
(10) Say, “Good try! Let’s fix this together.”
When Someone Asks for Help:
(1) Pretend you’re busy and hope they stop asking.
(5) Help them, but feel annoyed the whole time.
(10) Stop what you’re doing to make sure they succeed.
Now, add up your scores.
Mostly 1s: You’re at the starting line—don’t worry, everyone starts somewhere!
Mostly 5s: You’re halfway there! A little more effort, and you’ll be a superstar leader.
Mostly 10s: You’re already a servant leader legend. Can we get your autograph?
Why Does the Scale Matter?
This scale isn’t about making you feel bad—it’s about helping you see where you can grow. A servant leader isn’t perfect (unless you’re some kind of magical unicorn). They’re just people who try to:
Be kind and encouraging.
Help others improve without being bossy.
Make sure everyone feels important, even if their job is sticking googly eyes on the project.
Real-Life Examples of Servant Leadership (and Feedback)
Here are some ways to be a servant leader in real life—and sneak in some gentle feedback while you’re at it:
At School: Your friend’s science fair volcano doesn’t erupt. Instead of saying, “Lame volcano!” try this:
Encouragement: “Great effort! I love how shiny it looks.”
Feedback: “What if we add more vinegar next time to make it explode?”
At Home: Your sibling folds the laundry but leaves half the socks unmatched. Instead of groaning, say:
Encouragement: “Good job starting the laundry!”
Feedback: “Want me to show you a trick for matching socks faster?”
With Friends: Your buddy builds a treehouse, but it’s missing a ladder. Instead of teasing, say:
Encouragement: “This treehouse is awesome!”
Feedback: “Let’s add a ladder together so we can actually climb up and enjoy it.”
The Secret Sauce: Why Feedback Matters
Feedback = Superpower. It helps people improve without feeling bad. The best leaders know how to:
Start with a Compliment: Everyone likes hearing, “You’re amazing!”
Sprinkle in a Suggestion: Something like, “This is great—want to try it this way next time?”
Offer to Help: Because teamwork makes everything better (and faster).
Becoming a 10 on the Servant Leader Scale
Think of becoming a servant leader like learning to ride a bike:
First, you wobble a lot.
Then, you get the hang of it and can pedal without falling.
Finally, you’re so good you can help someone else learn to ride.
Here’s how to level up:
Cheer for Others: When someone does well, celebrate it. (“Yay! Your dog painting looks almost like a dog!”)
Offer Friendly Suggestions: Be kind and clear when giving feedback. (“Great job! Want to try adding more fur so it’s less... um... bald?”)
Help Without Taking Over: Don’t say, “Let me just do it.” Instead, say, “Let’s work on this together!”
And the best part? Do it even when there’s no credit. Think of it as mindfulness training—you’re growing as a person and helping others. Win-win!
Final Thoughts: Everyone Can Be a Servant Leader
Wherever you are on the scale of 1 to 10, remember: servant leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trying your best, helping others, and knowing when to laugh at your own mistakes (like burning the pizza).
Selflessness in Group Work: How do you make sure everyone in your group has a chance to contribute? Can you think of a time when you put your needs aside to help a classmate succeed?
Empathy for Others: How can you show empathy when you see a friend struggling with their homework or a difficult subject? How can understanding their struggles make you a better leader?
Overcoming Challenges Together: Have you ever faced a tough challenge in school or at home? How did you keep going, and how did you help others stay motivated too?
No Fear of Asking for Help: How do you approach asking for help when you're stuck? How can you encourage others to ask for help without feeling embarrassed or afraid?
Fairness and Inclusion: How can you make sure no one is left out in your group or class? What are some ways to support those who may feel different or have a harder time fitting in?
Giving and Receiving Feedback: How do you give feedback to others when they’re not doing their best? How do you accept feedback from others, and how can you make it constructive without feeling discouraged?
Teamwork in Action: Think of a time when you worked well as a team. What did each person contribute, and how did you support each other to reach your goal?
Persistence and Growth: Share a time when you didn’t give up on something—even when it got hard. How can you help your friends or classmates build that same perseverance?
Encouraging Others: How do you cheer on your friends or classmates when they succeed? How can you make sure to celebrate their efforts, not just the results?
No Bias, No Judgment: How can you be more aware of biases in school or friendships? How can you make sure that everyone feels respected and valued, no matter their background or abilities?
These prompts can encourage them to reflect on their actions and how they can apply servant leadership principles in everyday situations.
So, where are YOU on the servant leader scale? Wherever you are, take one step forward today. Cheer for someone. Offer some helpful feedback. And if you’re stuck, ask for help— because even the best leaders know they can’t do it alone. Shoot your question here on the comment or join us on the Expo - every Sat 8-9:30 pm Singapore time @ The LEARNING SPACE.
Now, go forth and lead... and maybe save a slice of pizza for your team while you’re at it. 🍕
By incorporating these concepts into our lives, we can help understand how servant leadership can be a tool for fostering empathy, teamwork, and personal growth, while also practicing resilience and fairness.
Summary from Jan 18 call
No Giving Up: Lessons from Stories, Challenges, and Insights
The Mentor's Speech:
The theme of the week, “No Giving Up,” was powerfully brought to life by a senior speaker who shared his journey of perseverance and resilience. Following a warm introduction, the senior began his speech with an anecdote from his childhood. He described a moment when he stood in awe of a massive dam, larger than anything he had ever seen. That moment sparked a dream within him—a dream of creating something monumental himself.
As he grew, his academic achievements fueled his confidence. However, upon stepping into the real world, he realized that his formal education was just the beginning. Confronted with the harsh realities of life, he discovered that he still had much to learn. Instead of being daunted, he embraced these challenges with determination. His message was clear: success isn’t about never facing obstacles; it’s about never giving up.
"When the road gets tough, it's not your knowledge but your perseverance that propels you forward."
The speaker’s story inspired participants, creating an atmosphere charged with motivation and curiosity. The senior’s candid narrative about embracing a lifelong journey of learning resonated deeply with the audience, laying the foundation for an engaging discussion.
The Q&A Session:
The energy in the virtual room soared during the Q&A session as participants eagerly engaged with the speaker’s insights. The chatbox buzzed with questions from participants like Wybie, MIHF, ELF001, BLCOP, and JFP, showcasing the enthusiasm generated by the session.
A notable question came from MIHF: “When faced with a problem, what do you think is more important: the answer or understanding the problem?”
The speaker responded thoughtfully: “I think they are equally important. Understanding is the key that unlocks the answer, and the process of arriving at a solution often holds the real value.”
Such exchanges added depth to the discussion, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and curiosity as tools for navigating challenges.
"Curiosity fuels understanding, and understanding unlocks the doors to solutions."
Challenge of the Week:
The week's challenge, led by JFP, revolved around “Leveraging Your Weakness.” JFP shared a personal struggle with Math. In school, solving equations was daunting, not just for the complexity but also because he had to articulate the reasoning behind his answers. Initially, this challenge felt insurmountable, leading to frustration and self-doubt.
However, JFP’s turning point came when he reframed the struggle. He realized that the core of Math wasn’t just problem-solving but perseverance—a skill applicable far beyond the classroom. Through consistent effort and exploration of alternative learning methods, he not only overcame his fear of Math but found joy in helping others navigate their own challenges.
"What seems like a weakness today can become your greatest strength tomorrow if you refuse to give up."
JFP’s presentation was a significant improvement compared to the previous week. It featured detailed analysis and visually engaging graphics, which enhanced its overall impact. His story underscored the theme’s essence: growth isn’t linear, but persistence makes it achievable.
Feedback Highlights:
MIHF’s Insightful Question:
MIHF asked, “What do you think is more important when someone gives you a problem: understanding the problem or arriving at the answer?”
JFP’s response eloquently tied back to the theme: “Both are important. Understanding guides the process, while the answer validates the effort.” This thoughtful exchange reinforced the idea that perseverance and clarity are intertwined.
BLCOP’s Contribution:
BLCOP tackled the theme of self-bias, identifying areas for improvement and potential solutions. While the content addressed critical points, it lacked depth and specificity. The feedback emphasized the need for more detailed and creative solutions, along with practical examples to enhance relatability and impact.
"The power of a solution lies in its practicality and the inspiration it sparks."
To improve, BLCOP was encouraged to:
Focus on actionable, detailed solutions.
Incorporate real-world examples.
Structure the analysis clearly for better engagement.
ELF001’s Question:
ELF001 asked, “You mentioned that you weren’t quick in decision-making. Your solution was to treat things as games. How do you overcome the fear of failure to adopt this mindset?”
The speaker’s response highlighted a profound truth: “Overcoming the fear of failure begins with embracing it as part of the learning process. Viewing challenges as games removes the weight of perfection and frees you to experiment and grow.”
"Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s a step on the path to achieving it."
Reflections and Takeaways:
This week’s theme, “No Giving Up,” resonated through the stories, challenges, and feedback shared during the session. The senior’s speech set the tone, inspiring participants to reflect on their own journeys and approach obstacles with renewed determination.
The challenges, particularly JFP’s, showcased the transformative power of persistence. His journey from struggling with Math to finding joy in mastering it demonstrated that setbacks can be stepping stones to success.
Finally, the feedback provided a roadmap for continuous improvement. It emphasized the importance of creativity, detailed analysis, and actionable solutions in turning good ideas into great ones.
"Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise—if you have the courage to see it through."
The session’s lively engagement, compelling narratives, and actionable insights left participants with a powerful message: success isn’t about avoiding obstacles; it’s about embracing them with a spirit of perseverance and an unwavering belief in one’s ability to overcome them.
"When you refuse to give up, every setback becomes a setup for a comeback."
and
“Giving up is the only failure in life”
I would like to have someone with servant leadership near me as I am constantly surrounded by people with other types of leadership. I feel it's the model of all leadership styles and needs to be put into effect by every leader. The other types fail to work with the team members and others alike.
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