Book Review: "The Servant" by James C. Hunter

James C. Hunter’s The Servant delivers a valuable leadership lesson in the form of a simple, engaging narrative. Billed as “a simple story about the true essence of leadership,” the book lives up to its subtitle while offering much more than a basic overview. Hunter skillfully blends fiction with practical leadership wisdom, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. In this review, I’ll outline the book’s plot, introduce the main characters, unpack its core leadership concepts, and share my personal reflections on its message and impact.

Plot Overview

The story centers around John Daily, a successful businessman who, on the surface, seems to have it all: a prestigious career, a beautiful family, and all the material comforts one could want. Yet beneath this polished exterior, John’s personal and professional lives are unraveling. His marriage is strained, his children are growing distant, and conflicts at work threaten his career. Unaware of how his own choices have contributed to these problems, John reluctantly agrees to attend a weeklong retreat at a remote monastery, urged by his wife and pastor.

During his time at the monastery, John joins five other individuals from diverse backgrounds — a nurse, a soldier, a pastor, a college coach, and a school principal — for daily lessons on leadership. Their teacher is a monk named Simeon, formerly known in the business world as Len Hoffman, a legendary leader renowned for rescuing struggling companies and transforming them into thriving enterprises. Through Simeon’s guidance, John begins to confront his shortcomings and discovers a new, transformative approach to leadership rooted in service and character. By the retreat’s end, it’s clear that John’s life is headed in a different, healthier direction.

Key Themes and Leadership Insights

At the heart of The Servant is the concept of servant leadership — a term that initially confounds several of the characters, who view it as contradictory. Simeon, however, unpacks the idea through rich dialogue and reflection, emphasizing that true leadership is about influence, not control.

Hunter introduces several important definitions early in the story:

• Leadership is the ability to inspire people to work willingly toward a shared, meaningful goal.

• Power is the capacity to force others into action, often through authority or fear.

• Authority, in contrast, is the earned ability to influence others because of personal integrity and earned respect.

The book challenges conventional, top-down leadership models by presenting an inverted hierarchy where leaders serve those they lead. According to Hunter, leadership begins with will — the conscious choice to align our actions with our values. From there, leaders demonstrate love as a verb, meeting the legitimate needs (not wants) of others, which naturally involves service and sometimes sacrifice. In doing so, leaders build authority through influence, not coercion.

This framework encourages a fundamental shift in perspective, redefining leadership as an act of humility and service rather than a pursuit of power.

Reflections and Personal Takeaways

Reading The Servant was both enjoyable and deeply meaningful for me. Hunter’s storytelling is straightforward and approachable, and while the structure of the narrative is simple, the insights it offers run deep. I’ve come across similar leadership parables in the past, and in many ways, this book felt familiar — but in the best possible sense. It’s grounded in timeless truths that remain relevant, offering a fresh perspective on ideas we intuitively know but often neglect in practice.

I’ll admit, some aspects of the book feel a little dated, especially certain character portrayals that, through the lens of my own military background, come across as somewhat stereotypical. Yet even with those limitations, the heart of the book continues to resonate — not just with me, but with the leaders I’ve mentored through Co-Serve International’s Mentor Program.

That, I believe, speaks to the universality of its message.

What struck me most was how Hunter frames servant leadership as a reflection of some of the highest and most enduring qualities within us: empathy, humility, service, and love. It reminded me of the philosophy of enlightened self-interest — the idea that by seeking our own well-being, while recognizing our impact on others and society, we can create outcomes that benefit everyone. The book invites readers to reflect on those tensions many of us feel: between cultural expectations of leadership as command and control, and the quiet pull of empathy and compassion. I’ve often wrestled with that myself, especially in environments where authority and power are emphasized.

But here’s what I took away — those tensions aren’t weaknesses to overcome; they’re signals pointing us toward a better, more authentic way to lead. When we pause, reflect, and channel those instincts with purpose, we forge a path toward a kind of leadership that uplifts both ourselves and those we influence.

This book helped me realize that the traits I once thought of as liabilities in leadership — caring deeply, loving others (even when it’s difficult), and choosing to serve instead of control — are actually my greatest strengths. They’re qualities I shouldn’t suppress but rather cultivate, because they reflect the kind of leader I am meant to be.

Perhaps most importantly, The Servant made me more aware of the influence I already hold. Leadership isn’t confined to job titles or official positions. It shows up in everyday conversations, in our families, communities, and workplaces. The book challenged me to lean into that influence with greater intention and to lead in a way that reflects my values.

Final Thoughts

I would encourage anyone reading this to explore The Servant not just as a book about leadership, but as an invitation to examine your own approach to influence, service, and character. You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself along the way.