Week 3 Civil Discourse Forum will be in the form of a Q & A:
Please refer to your Week 3 reading preparation and supplementary resources and discuss the following:
In your Discussion Forum this week, you will evaluate authentic servant leadership and civility. Authentic servant leadership is a leadership approach in which leaders are true to themselves and their moral and ethical values while striving to serve the needs of their followers and their communities.
An authentic servant leader is someone who:
Desires to serve something greater than him/herself.
Demonstrates ethical and moral integrity.
Shows empathy towards others.
Exhibits self-awareness and self-discipline.
Demonstrates civility in civil discourse.
Builds relationships on trust and mutual respect.
Empowers others to grow, succeed, and develop personal courage.
Creates value for the organization and gives back to the community.
One of the most important traits of an authentic servant leader is civility- the ability to remain respectful and conduct oneself with decorum even in difficult circumstances. Authentic servant leaders confront uncomfortable situations in a way that maintains the dignity of both their position as well as the people around them. Civility means practicing courtesy, politeness, mutual respect, fairness, good manners, and a willingness to peacefully engage with the perspectives of others- even and especially when one disagrees with them. We don’t have to agree, but as leaders, we must listen- and that starts by giving others the opportunity to be heard.
Discussion forums and live sessions are great ways for students to practice civility in online courses. When discussing ideas and opinions with classmates or professors, students should never belittle opposing views or disrespect the people who said them. However, opposing views aren’t always best left ignored, either. It’s more constructive and beneficial to engage opposing views, but when doing so, remain polite and respectful. Please assess the Warren Court and explain how Chief Justice Earl Warren displayed authentic servant leadership in his commitment to protecting the rights of individuals, especially those of racial minority groups.
