How Do the Behaviors of a Servant-Leader Influence the Follower and How Does the Follower Apply Those Learned Behaviors?

Non-profit agencies face ongoing challenges due to limited financial and human resources. Research in the last decade in the field of servant-leadership has shown a positive impact on organizations and individuals influenced by a servant-leader. The purpose of this Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study was capturing the experiences of individuals influenced by a servant-leader. The study results inform scholars and practitioners of the experiences of participants in relation to the influence on the perceptions and behaviors of a servant-led follower. Two questions were developed in the qualitative study. The first question is in what ways does servant-leadership in the non-profit organization influence how team members perceive themselves in their role as a current or aspiring leader. The second question is what is the trickle-down effect of the influence of a servant-leader on the beliefs and behaviors on a servant-led individual team member? Analysis of the data through the interpretative phenomenological analysis format developed three themes for question one which are: (1) personal traits applied (2) practice what you preach, and (3) professional courage. The second question developed four recurrent themes which are: (1) pour into people, (2) above and beyond support, (3) teach them to fish, and (4) individual worth. These results provide valuable information for scholars and practitioners in the application of servant-leadership principles in an organization