Service in the Trenches

Servant leadership has become a prominent and popular approach to leadership in the 21st Century across a variety of public, private, and non-profit sectors. The stories in this book illustrate servant leadership in action and many of the signature elements of servant leadership can be traced across these pages. These stories are deeply rooted in the reciprocal experiences of leaders and followers and they convey real challenges, emotions, accomplishments, and victories that inspire optimism and hope for a brighter future for our schools and communities and the servants who lead them.

Service in the Trenches: School Principals Share Real Examples of Servant Leadership is a great series of true stories that exemplify leading at a higher level. This book shows the selflessness that true school leaders display daily. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about servant leadership, or effective school administration., My colleagues have crafted a great read in this compilation of true stories from their experiences in leading schools. In my work with principals across the country, I have found a common thread. Those who serve with an emotional intelligence that is relationship-driven, and authentically care about their people and school community seem to grow strong cultures that inspire students to do their best work. They empower and grow their teachers, and they are focused on the artisan leadership quality that makes all the difference--heart of an artist. This book illustrates this formula with a unique lens--from 'down in the trenches'., An anonymous quotation for school leaders: 'Students will not remember everything you taught them, but they will never forget how you made them feel.' The stories in this book illustrate what we need much more of in our schools, as these leaders have figured it out., The best leaders are rare. They are precious jewels. Others hardly know they exist. Yet, they diligently serve all. When the work is done they sit back and the group says, "look what we accomplished". In this book, you will find a treasure trove. Real stories, by and about real people, in the real world.

Rocky Wallace is Associate Professor of Education at Campbellsville University in Kentucky, and has been teaching and writing about servant leadership for 20 years. He has authored, co-authored, edited, or co-edited 10 books on servant leadership and/or organizational health for Rowman & Littlefield, as well as several published articles on the topic.