Twenty-First Century Leadership for EU Institutions

This book explores the type of leadership needed to transform EU Institutions to allow them to truly serve Europe’s people. Our world today calls for leaders who are connected to themselves, know how to unleash the potential of others and build organisations that serve people’s needs, and are stewards of society. The path towards transformation is not just about learning another trick or method, it is an inward journey each of us must undertake. We search to first recognise our best self and then give ourselves to lead our lives in service of a bigger purpose. The prioritising of serving others leads to a conscious choice of one aspiring to lead. In turn, others will experience this inspiration at all levels, learning to lead as servants. This timeless concept is what Robert Greenleaf referred to when he coined the term “servant-leadership” in 1970. This book not only gives insights into the servant-leadership philosophy, but also offers real-life interviews with twelve EU civil servants, including Herman van Rompuy, former President of the European Council. Their stories illustrate that servant-leadership is manifesting inside EU institutions already, independent of background and function level. Servant-leadership offers a unique opportunity to empower EU professionals in facing the challenges of the 21st century and helping the EU to serve its citizens better.