LeoChat Series – Part 85: Exploring Servant Leadership with Andrew Pienkos

Jenny: “What does Servant Leadership mean to you personally?”

Andrew: “To me, Servant Leadership is when a leader sacrifices personal gain in favor of the growth of the team. The best Servant Leaders offer support to all, showing that everyone on the team can be valued and grow. By serving all the members, a leader can boost loyalty and engagement, which inspires a unified purpose. While good leaders prioritize reaching the end goal successfully, Servant Leaders differ in that they nurture the personal and professional growth of the team while also completing the desired goal.”

Jenny: “Can you share an example of your experience with Servant Leadership?”

Andrew: “A time when I experienced Servant Leadership happened when I was in high school preparing for a difficult exam. I did not understand the more difficult concepts despite my best efforts to do so. My unease grew larger as the date for the exam approached and I spoke to a trusted friend in the same class who I knew understood the material much better than I did. My friend, who could have easily said “good luck” and went on his way, decided to meet me in a study room after school instead. There, we worked for hours going over material and study problems until I was entirely confident and felt prepared for the exam. This act of Servant Leadership to me was significant because he put my needs ahead of his without an expectation of getting something in return. He taught me that Servant Leadership is not about authority, but ultimately, it is about prioritizing the growth and success of others. The selflessness I experienced on that day is something I strive to emulate in my daily approach to leadership.”

Andrew Pienkos is a dedicated sophomore at Purdue University, majoring in finance, and a member of the John Martinson Honors College. He serves as a mentor in the Larsen Leaders Academy within the Daniels School of Business, providing guidance and support to his peers, demonstrating both leadership and a commitment to professional development. During the school year, he works as a consulting intern for the Dauch Center for the Management of Manufacturing Enterprises.

The article was written by Andrew Pienkos, edited by Jenny Guan. Copyrights are reserved by Andrew Pienkos. If quoted, please indicate the source. Thank you.

Stay tuned for Part 86 of 'Leo's Fireside Chat on Servant Leadership.' To be continued.

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