How do you create a legacy of service through servant leadership?

1 Align your purpose with your values

A legacy of service starts with a clear sense of why you do what you do and how it aligns with your core values. Your purpose is not just a statement or a slogan, but a guiding principle that shapes your actions and decisions. It also helps you communicate your vision and inspire others to join you. To align your purpose with your values, you need to reflect on what matters most to you, what motivates you, and what impact you want to have.

2 Empower and develop others

A servant leader does not hoard power or knowledge, but shares it generously and intentionally. You can empower and develop others by delegating tasks, providing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and recognizing their achievements. You can also create opportunities for them to learn, grow, and innovate. By doing so, you are not only enhancing their performance and potential, but also building trust, loyalty, and engagement.

3 Serve beyond your boundaries

A legacy of service is not limited by your job description, your department, or your organization. You can serve beyond your boundaries by reaching out to other stakeholders, such as customers, partners, suppliers, communities, and society at large. You can also collaborate across disciplines, sectors, and cultures to create value and solve problems. By serving beyond your boundaries, you are expanding your influence and impact, as well as demonstrating your respect and appreciation for diversity and interdependence.

4 Model the way

A servant leader does not only talk the talk, but also walks the walk. You can model the way by exemplifying the behaviors and attitudes that you expect from others, such as integrity, humility, compassion, curiosity, and courage. You can also show your commitment to continuous improvement and innovation by seeking feedback, learning from mistakes, and embracing change. By modeling the way, you are setting an example and a standard for others to follow and emulate.

5 Celebrate and sustain your legacy

A legacy of service is not something that you achieve once and forget, but something that you nurture and sustain over time. You can celebrate and sustain your legacy by acknowledging and appreciating the contributions and achievements of others, as well as your own. You can also revisit and renew your purpose and values regularly, and align them with the changing needs and expectations of your stakeholders. By celebrating and sustaining your legacy, you are reinforcing your culture and identity, as well as ensuring your relevance and resilience.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?