Be a legendary servant-leader

By Dr. Hong Liang, STLE President | TLT President's Report February 2024

It’s good to actively listen to and understand others in general and within STLE.

In the 1970 essay “The Servant as Leader,” the management consultant Robert K. Greenleaf wrote that the best leaders were servants first. John C. Maxell, a leadership author, often says in his books that a true leader loves to serve people unconditionally and puts others ahead of their agenda without expecting anything in return. So, what is a servant-leader anyway? According to those two experts, a servant-leader has these characteristics: listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people and building community. Servant-leadership is a people-centric approach to leadership that emphasizes collaboration and humility. It is a focus on the greater and long-term good. In contrast to the traditional, hierarchical leadership styles, the servant-leadership embraces various organizational settings as to promote a positive and supportive workplace culture. The impact of servant-leadership lasts beyond a lifetime.

What is the servant-leadership like in a science and technology community such as STLE? Let’s dig into it a bit more. According to the two experts, servant-leaders actively listen to the concerns and ideas of committee members. They seek to understand others before making decisions. They demonstrate empathy and understanding toward the feelings and perspectives of others. They put themselves in others’ shoes to better comprehend their needs. They are committed to helping others heal and grow. They aim to support the well-being of their committee members, both personally and professionally. They understand their strengths and weaknesses, and they are attuned to the dynamics of the committee and STLE. Rather than relying on formal authority, servant-leaders use persuasion and influence to guide and motivate the team. With the ability to conceptualize and envision the future, they think beyond daily operations and consider the broader context and long-term goals. They are capable of anticipating future consequences and trends. They use foresight to make informed decisions that benefit the committee, field and STLE. They take responsibility for the well-being of their committees and work to ensure STLE’s resources are used wisely. They are committed to the personal and professional development of their team members. They provide opportunities for learning and growth. They foster a sense of community within the committee. They create a positive and inclusive environment where individuals feel connected and valued.

Here I will share a good example of a servant-leader, historical figure, tribologist and one of us. Elijah J. McCoy (May 1844 -October 1929) was an African Canadian American engineer who once worked at the Michigan Central Railroad. In 1872, he invented a lubricator (U.S. Patent 129,843) that automatically releases a few drops of oil, from time to time, into the steam engines of locomotives and ships. It was a simple and genius solution that enabled trains to run faster and more efficiently with reduced maintenance time. This enabling technology not only made the transportation more efficient but also stimulated the growth of economy and communities. In his lifetime, McCoy had more than 50 inventions. His contribution won him the reputation “real McCoy system” among the transportation community.1 In addition to his technical contribution, he inspired the young generation of African Canadian Americans to purse their dreams. As you can see, his vision extends beyond his success in the field of tribology and transportation and the betterment of African Americans and engineering communities at large. His dedication and invention reflect the commitment of a higher purpose. His legacy continues today and into the future.

Now let’s check the leadership within us. Do you notice your quality as a servant-leader? As a volunteer, you have given time to participate in STLE local sections, technical committees or various levels of STLE committees. You have helped committees in many ways, such as providing mentorship or donating to scholarships, or offering a hand to struggling assistant professors by sharing some experimental samples or providing some funding support. Many of those gestures might not be recognized right away. But you are a servant-leader, a selfless volunteer who often silently and consistently supports others for a higher and longer-term good cause. Be proud. Think long term. Do more.

REFERENCE
1. Eschner, K. (May 2, 2017), “This prolific inventor helped give us the phrase ‘the real McCoy,’” Smithsonian Magazine. Available here.

Dr. Hong Liang is Oscar S. Wyatt Jr. Professor of the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. You can reach her at hliang@tamu.edu.