This is an interesting post, Tom. I guess the person being served should become aware of the motives of the servant, then make a decision whether they want the service.
If we refer back to the "best test" for SL, Greenleaf anticipates this problem, asking whether those served become "...freer, more autonomous...." If those served are becoming manipulated or paternalized by the servant, then this isn't servant leadership.
And I like the way, Tom, you've emphasized that this could be "immoral." In itself, I don't think "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" service is immoral, but it certainly could lead to immoral behavior.
Thanks for raising these issues. I think that some of the phrases from your post will stay with me for a long time. I recently read a good book, Gentle Action (www.gentleaction.org), which talked a lot about unintended harms that can come from aid and other forms of helping. Here's a description of the book, taken from their web-site:
"In his new book Gentle Action: Bringing Creative Change to a Turbulent World Peat argues that while individuals, organizations or governments take action or give aid, often from the best of motives, it is sometimes the case that such action is disruptive and damaging to a community, economy or environment. The reasons are that in some many cases plans and policies do not take into account the complexity and delicate nature of the systems that surround us. Moreover the nature of the organization that attempts to bring about positive change may be more rigid than the system it seeks to alter. In addition so often the organization is now working from within the system but imposing change from outside.
The solutions proposed in the book are that new forms of "gentle action" are needed, actions which begin from within the system in question and emerge in creative ways.. These may range from projects on an international scale to a simple action by an individual. Such actions generally flow from what Peat has termed "creative suspension" - that temporary pause when we listen and learn what the system has to teach us before taking action."
Chris, Great reminder about the best test. I guess it's not called the "best" test for no reason. If those served become more autonomous, then it's good service, if they remain dependent, it's not.
Micheal, The Gentle Action website looks interesting. Gentle action seems to fit well with servant leadership concepts. And ignorance of complexity and interconnection is definately at the root of many of our problems. And your suggestion for "creative suspension" just might be the solution we forget to use.
Tom
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