IMPLEMENTASI TATA KELOLA KEPEMIMPINAN YANG MELAYANI DI SMPN 1 CIKARANG SELATAN

Abstract

This study aims to describe the implementation of servant leadership in the principal’s leadership at SMPN 1 Cikarang Selatan, to describe the principal’s strategies in building communication, service, and empowerment, and to identify supporting and inhibiting factors. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. The informants consisted of the principal, vice principal, teachers, and educational staff. Data analysis was conducted through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate that servant leadership has been implemented through six dimensions: exemplary behavior, empathy, listening, empowerment, caring, and community building. The principal demonstrates openness in receiving input, provides support and solutions, delegates responsibilities, encourages competence development, and promotes cooperation among school members. The strategies for communication, service, and empowerment are integrated through meetings, coordination, direct communication, personal approaches, task delegation, and opportunities for professional development. Supporting factors include cooperation, open communication, mutual trust, school-community support, and shared commitment. Inhibiting factors include differences in character and participation, communication and coordination challenges, and the principal’s limited time due to a high workload. Overall, servant leadership at SMPN 1 Cikarang Selatan has been implemented, although continuous strengthening is needed to optimize service, empowerment, communication, and collaboration.