Department Spotlight

Spears to Present Servant-Leadership Model at March 18 Leadership Connection

Larry Spears, president of the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership, will discuss why empathy and community-building are central to effective leadership at the next Spokane Leadership Connection breakfast on Thursday, March 18, from 7-8:45 a.m. in the Champions Room at the Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. Spears' presentation is part of the spring series of lectures for Leadership Connection, a nonprofit collaborative effort between Whitworth University, Gonzaga University and Leadership Spokane.

Cost for the presentation, which includes a light breakfast, is $25 or $9 for students with valid student identification. Due to limited seating, reservations are required. To make reservations or for more information, contact Gonzaga University Continuing Education at (509) 323-3575 or pre-register online at www.gonzaga.edu/ce.

During his presentation Spears will discuss servant-leadership, a relational model of leadership based on the premise that every person has intrinsic worth. Gonzaga University faculty specializing in aspects of servant-leadership will accompany Spears for this interactive session.

Michael Carey, associate professor in Gonzaga's Master of Organizational Leadership Program, will share the 10 characteristics of a servant leader, using examples of CEOs nationwide. Shann Ferch, associate professor and chair of Gonzaga's Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies, will discuss how forgiveness and reconciliation help to build strong organizational relationships and counter the traditional leadership practices of domination and control.

The Greenleaf Center is an international, not-for-profit institution headquartered in Indianapolis that aims to help people and institutions better understand the principles and practices of servant-leadership. The center introduces a practical approach to leadership, structure and decision-making. The program emphasizes increasing service to others, promoting a sense of community, and fostering strong relationships. Servant-leadership encourages collaboration, trust, and the ethical use of power. The center was founded in 1964 by Robert K. Greenleaf, author of the books "Servant-Leadership" and "Teacher As Servant."

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