Book Review: The Servant

The Servant, by James C. Hunter (1998) is a book about leadership… interestingly enough, that brings out the idea that to be a true and effective leader, you need to act as a servant, and love your people. Not the emotion love, but “agave” love, which is the Greek term for essentially “do unto others as you would do unto yourself”. The book tries to tie back true leadership to the Bible and who Hunter claims is the best example of a leader, Jesus Christ. By following the attributes of “agave” love, one can become a better leader in meeting their people’s needs (but not wants). Most importantly, these principles will help you become an Authority, that is respected and followed. The attributes of “agave” love are as follows:

• Patient - showing self-control.
• Kind - giving attention, appreciation, and encouragement.
• Humble - being authentic without pretense or arrogance.
• Respectful - treating others as important people.
• Selfless - meeting the needs of others.
• Forgiving - giving up resentment when wronged.
• Honest - being free from deception.
• Committed - sticking to your choices.

Another idea that is emphasized in this book is the idea of intention versus action. Intention + no action = Squat. Intention + action = results. Nothing mindboggling here.

I think the overall premise here is interesting. Hunter goes through examples of how other leadership styles fail – being too controlling results in unhappiness, too tough results in little fulfillment, etc. Frankly, I think the attributes above are ones that you should try to live your life by, so naturally it makes sense that they are what would make an effective leader.

Anyways, the book itself is ok. The ideas aren’t that revolutionary, other the fact he wants you to be a servant, but it is an interesting read. For the non-religious types, don’t worry, this book doesn’t try to convert you or anything, it just references in the Bible here and there to prove a point. (7/10).