How can you help a client with servant leadership style balance their focus on others?

1 Assess their strengths and weaknesses

The first step is to help your client identify their strengths and weaknesses as a servant leader. You can use various tools, such as self-assessments, feedback surveys, or 360-degree reviews, to gather data on how they perceive themselves and how others perceive them. You can then help them analyze the results and pinpoint the areas where they excel and the areas where they need improvement. For example, they may be good at listening, empathizing, and mentoring, but they may struggle with setting boundaries, delegating, and making decisions.

2 Help them set SMART goals

The next step is to help your client set SMART goals that align with their vision, values, and mission. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These criteria help your client create clear, realistic, and meaningful goals that can motivate them and keep them on track. You can also help them break down their goals into smaller and more manageable steps and monitor their progress and achievements. For example, if their goal is to increase their team's engagement and productivity, they may set a SMART goal like this: "I will conduct monthly one-on-one meetings with each team member to discuss their feedback, challenges, and development opportunities for the next six months."

3 Encourage them to practice self-care

The third step is to encourage your client to practice self-care and prioritize their own well-being. Servant leaders may tend to put others' needs before their own and sacrifice their health, happiness, and balance. This can lead to burnout, stress, and resentment. You can help your client recognize the signs of exhaustion and cope with them effectively. You can also suggest some strategies to help them recharge their energy, such as taking breaks, meditating, exercising, or pursuing hobbies. You can also remind them that taking care of themselves is not selfish, but essential for their leadership effectiveness and sustainability.

4 Teach them how to assert themselves

The fourth step is to teach your client how to assert themselves and communicate their needs, opinions, and expectations clearly and respectfully. Servant leaders may sometimes avoid conflict, compromise too much, or let others take advantage of them. This can result in frustration, resentment, and loss of credibility. You can help your client develop their assertiveness skills and confidence by providing them with feedback, role-playing scenarios, and examples of assertive language and behavior. You can also help them understand the difference between being assertive and being aggressive or passive.

7 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?