Servant Leadership and Crisis

This research paper provides a detailed review of Robert K. Greenleaf's Servant Leadership Model and demonstrates the applicability of the model for the military in general and combat support leaders specifically. After an in depth analysis of Servant Leadership skills and traits, this paper promotes the use of the model to address true needs and build more effective teams within the United States Air Force. The effort also includes three case studies focused on past "operator leaders" (Generals Kenney, Tunner and Creech) and demonstrates how their leadership styles clearly represented the skills and traits Servant Leadership advocates. Additionally, the case studies focus on the importance of integrating operations and combat support functions, even under the most challenging of scenarios, in order to accomplish the mission. Finally, this product focuses on bringing about an increased awareness of the importance of teamwork and protecting diversity of ideas at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of the organization. In the conclusion, this paper sets the stage for future Air Force transformation efforts and recommends strategies for effectively and efficiently balancing accomplishment of the mission and taking care of tomorrow's airmen.