Community Corner: "Strong People"

By Carolyn Watts, Planners Neighborhood Assoc.

The four common leadership styles are Authoritarian, Participative, Laissez-faire, and Transformational. These styles are found in all leadership questionnaires, aiding one in finding their style. 

Our NNW Communities have transitioned through these leadership styles as a collective group or in our own individual neighborhood group. Another leadership style is that of a Servant-Leader. 

The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) defines “Servant-Leadership” as a style that is based on the desire to serve and give to your community.“ By putting the needs of others first, you empower people to perform at their best.” 

Robert Greenleaf of AT&T, is credited with creating the theory of servant leadership in 1970.

Ella Baker was born in December 1903 in the state of Virginia and was a model of servant leadership. Her family's emphasis was on education and community activism. She believed that communities and individuals possess inherent wisdom and can lead themselves without charismatic or authoritarian figures.

Baker’s philosophy was focused on four areas. The strength of the people is in their wisdom and in looking at systemic injustice. People should be equipped with the tools to become independent thinkers and decision makers. They are not dependent on a leader giving them a voice.

As a community, we recognize our own power, building networks and addressing our needs. She promoted a “group-centered” approach that made community-led efforts the priority. Baker believed that the strength was within the people themselves to lead and create changes. “Strong people don’t need strong leaders.” 

Submitted by: Carolyn Watts, NNW Communities