Kalling All Smartt Peeple

Help me figure out what Robert K. Greenleaf is saying here. From the book Servant Leadership:

We live at a time when holders of power are suspect and actions that stem from authority are questioned. Legitimize power has become an ethical imperative. Can discriminating people be helped to find the means for legitimizing power?

There are legions of persons of good will who could sharpen and clarify their view of the more serving society they would like to live in and help build–if in no other way than by holding a deepened interest and concern about it and speaking to the condition of others. Is not such widespread action necessary if the climate that favors service, and supports servants, is to be maintained.

I think I understand, but I’m not sure. Any ideas?

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Contributor: Justin Wise

I am a religious deviant who enjoys coffee, collared shirts, spending time with my wife and son, learning about quantum physics and creatively exploring the riches of the Spirit of Christ. Find more here: JustinWise.me

Tony Simoncini

I think he is saying that legions of people could and should be speaking out and magnifying the opportunities for helping and serving others, and this action is necessary if we are going to see the people who have the power, authority, and resources to make a difference move from using their power and authority for self, to using their power, authority, and resources in favor of others... therefore legitimizing their power!

If I'm reading this right, he sure could have said this with more clarity and less reading between the lines!
Peace
Tony

Justin Wise

I agree with your assessment ... He could make this easier to understand!

Tony Simoncini

Next time : )

His words will keep you on your toes!!!

Tony

@kylelreed

Absolutely no idea. Was hoping you would tell me

Justin Wise

Ha!

mattharrell

You got me over here with that "smart people" headline :)). It seems like to me he's saying that you, as a moral and upright person should CARE, have an opinion and SPEAK UP.

brynelewisallport

hmmm... first of all i'm not sure that i'm comfortable with equating "authority" with "power." Power can be seized and wielded unethically. Authority of course can too, but it connotes a certain level of qualification that legitimizes its use.

I think he's advocating activism in order to inform these qualifications. If servanthood is the qualifier, then authority would gain quite a bit of legitimacy.

However, i'm not sure that servants are any more above suspicion (and therefore charges of illegitimacy) than anybody else. That is to say, i'm not sure i like his defining legitimacy as a lack of general suspicion. Does the lack of respect for authority in our culture really stem from a lack of respect for the qualifications of authority? Or do we no longer value community and so are unwilling to accept being led (even led by well-qualified persons) in order to benefit our community?

This seems to be his second and more compelling point: that we don't know what kind of community we want and are therefore dissatisfied with all attempts at leadership regardless of their legitimacy.

Justin Wise

Bryne is smart ... I just wait for her to comment.

Ben Lemery

I would suggest that he is saying in a time when leaders and their actions are questionable, that ethical power is a must. Are we able to find people who can discern from right and wrong in order to find ethical power.

There are many people who aren't necessarily leaders that could bring a clear vision of what they want society to be by having deep concern about the issue and those involved in it. We need a grassroots movement started amongst ourselves if we expect to see the culture shift in this arena.