What are some effective self-care strategies for servant leaders?

Don't get stuck by overcomplicating how to define your why, aka your purpose. It can change over time and that is ok. You can use a simple formula of identifying 3 strengths, 3 activities you enjoy doing and what would you like to see different in the world. And then combine it together: using your strengths by doing what you love in order to see a world you want to see. For example, I use my intuition, high energy and empathy to coach, facilitate and create programs in order to see humans be fulfilled at work

If you say here’s what I am after and here’s “WHY” I want it right now more than anything else, you will figure out how to make it happen. If you can invent new ways to align your goals with purpose, if you can figure out the WHY, it can give you absolute drive and absolute power. That’s the fuel to get you going. Your unique purpose is the special imprint you leave on the world. It's essential to identify, affirm, and renew this purpose regularly. It fuels perseverance, propelling you forward through challenges. Without it, maintaining motivation can be difficult. Success isn't an accident; it's a habit, a discipline, a consistent dedication to a meaningful direction. The bedrock of this journey is a well-defined, powerful purpose.

Servant leaders will naturally forego their own personal and professional needs to take care of their people, and this is a wonderful instinct, but can be a dangerous one to cultivate if left unchecked. The servant leader must ultimately take some time to serve themselves in the pursuit of better serving their stakeholders, both internal and external. Take an occasional step back to ensure you're being the best servant leader you can be - not only to your workforce, but to yourself.

In my experience self care is super important. Once we learn how to take care of ourselves then taking care of team will become second nature. Also learning our whys is super important. Remember the most important days of any of our lives are the day that we are born and the other is when we find out all of our why’s. Once we find out our whys it will allow to focus on our purpose.

In my experience your goal is to bring value as a team, tell your team the end goal and then listen to them on how to get there. Break your goal into milestones and ask again your team how to get there, keep on asking your team as they are experts in their area, always listen to your team and be willing to be wrong

It's important to remember that your needs as a leader are equally as important as everyone else's. It's all too easy to put yourself last, but it's important to role model good personal care and time management. If you can ensure you're performing at your best, then you'll be better placed to get the best out of those you lead. One example is to ensure you take breaks. Not just the sitting down with a cuppa variety - although this is a great way to give time to your team - but also ensuring you don't book in back-to-back meetings. Even 10-15 minutes can make all the difference, help you process and have chance to refresh, meaning you'll be giving your best at the next meeting.

Think of your energy like a smartphone battery; you wouldn't want it to drain before noon, right? So, managing your energy is like optimizing your phone's settings to last the whole day. It involves simple practices, like taking short breaks during meetings, practicing deep breathing (imagine your lungs as your phone's charging cable), or going for a quick walk (akin to your phone on a power-saving mode). These strategies recharge your "energy battery" and help you lead with full bars.

a simple way to give yourself and everyone a breather between meetings is to schedule 25 or 50 minute meetings instead of 30 and 60

Managing energy as a servant leader in a large company involves self-care to serve others effectively. Prioritise tasks aligning with core values and delegate when possible, preserving energy for high-impact decisions. Regular breaks and mindfulness practices help maintain focus and prevent burnout. Encourage a culture of well-being, where taking time for rejuvenation is normalised and respected. Servant leadership isn't about pouring from an empty cup; it's about nurturing your vitality to empower and uplift your team.

Understanding and managing our energy levels is a critical aspect of being a servant leader. This is a personal journey, and we all have our distinct energy patterns to balance. In my experience, as a servant leader, it's essential to combine this awareness with the establishment of clear boundaries in both my professional and personal life. Incorporating mindfulness practices and self-reflection helps me stay in sync with my values while dedicating myself to serving others. It's like finding the right rhythm that lets us be there for our teams while preserving our own well-being.

Build a strong network of mentors who you can rely on and get constructive feedback, especially when you are dealing with your "crucible" moments as a leader. These are the difficult, challenging times that test us as servant leaders. We may discover new angles from which to approach a situation that we didn't previously consider.

Remember, a good leader's network isn't just a source of support; it's a resource to empower the entire organization, reinforcing the collective mission and vision. Cultivate a team of diverse thinkers who share your service-driven ethos. Engage with mentors for guidance, and peer networks for shared learning. Foster an environment of trust and mutual support with your colleagues, it will take you a long way. “Nothing of significance was ever achieved by an individual acting alone. Look below the surface and you will find that all seemingly solo acts are really team efforts.” — John C. Maxwell

Your support network is like assembling a group of allies for a quest. Just like in your favorite fantasy story, your mentors, colleagues, and friends become your trusted companions. They're the Gandalfs, Hermiones, and Sams who offer wisdom, encouragement, and a helping hand when you face challenges. Think of it as having a fellowship that makes your journey as a servant leader less daunting and more exciting.

A support network should be more than just someone you know and want to chat with. Your support network should begin with three kinds of people, one who supports your professional goals, one who you can open up to and share emotional goals with, and one who you can laugh with. Starting with these three kinds of people, servant leaders can build on their resiliency and recover from the pressures that leadership and mentoring can cause. If you don't address the stress and find ways to recover, you will quickly find yourself a less effective leader.

Building a robust support network is a key self-care strategy for servant leaders. Cultivating connections with peers, mentors, and friends provides emotional support and guidance. This network acts as a sounding board, offering valuable insights and perspectives. By fostering these relationships, servant leaders create a foundation of support that contributes to their well-being, resilience, and ability to serve others effectively with compassion and understanding.

Be unafraid of being a multidimensional individual, free to express yourself in more than one specialty. It is okay to have multiple creative outlets that allow one to thrive as a leader. You will be better suited to care for others in the right way if you first care for yourself and get appropriate rest.

During one of the most difficult and high stress times in my role, I found that implementing a morning practice of having my tea on my porch (I invested in an amazing glider chair for this) and journaling quietly. No checking emails or thinking about projects ahead. I'd water my succulents and give them pep talks that I needed to hear that day. This transformed my perception of stress at work and I started each day with a calm energy. Team members appreciate that energy when they're at the top of what may be a stressful day for themselves.

Cultivating hobbies is a wellspring of creativity and renewal. Engaging in personal interests allows mental respite from corporate rigors, fostering innovative thinking by exploring diverse perspectives. It recharges your energy, enhancing resilience. These pursuits can humanize your leadership, encouraging connections with your team on a more personal level. They serve as a reminder of the world outside the office, promoting work-life balance—a value that, when modeled, can inspire your team to find their own equilibrium.

It's extremely important for scrum masters, as servant leaders, to maintain their own well-being in order to effectively support their teams. Some self care strategies that i have employed, which I find quite helpful are effective time management and prioritization of tasks, meditation, healthy work-life balance, physical activities and continuous learning.

Cultivating your hobbies and interests is akin to being the hero of your own story, both in and out of the office. For instance, if you enjoy painting, it's like having a secret identity as an artist. When you immerse yourself in your creative passions, whether painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, it's like donning your cape to recharge your inner superhero. These activities bring joy and make you a more dynamic and authentic leader.

In my journey as a US Army veteran and District Sales Manager, I've found that incorporating gratitude and appreciation is a powerful strategy for self-care. These positive emotions not only acknowledge the goodness in my life but also recognize the valuable contributions of others. Personally, I integrate gratitude into my routine by maintaining a gratitude journal, expressing thanks through notes, and celebrating achievements. Aligned with my leadership style, these practices help me navigate challenges, foster optimism, and strengthen team relationships. Ultimately, embracing gratitude enhances my happiness, confidence, and motivation as a leader in sales management.

Be grateful and appreciate the different moments in life you get to show up as a a servant leader in diverse ways. Practicing gratitude shifts one's whole mindset and approach to leading. It is important to be consistent in giving thanks to others to recognize their efforts.

The secret of a phenomenal life is to give gratitude for today before you visualise what you want for tomorrow. Expressing gratitude shows you value your team's contributions, reinforcing their significance in the organization's success. It also keeps you grounded and connected with your workforce, building a loyal and supportive community. Remember thought, It isn't just about occasional thank-yous; it's a consistent recognition that every role matters, instilling a sense of purpose. Gratitude turns routine jobs into roles with profound impact.

Gratitude is the magic wand that turns everyday moments into extraordinary ones. Imagine your team meeting as a scene in a movie where you're the director. Instead of just going through the motions, practice gratitude by acknowledging your team's efforts and expressing appreciation for their contributions. It's like adding special effects to your leadership narrative, making everyone feel valued and motivated to perform at their best.

While the 'Leaders Eat Last' philosophy may initially appear contradictory to the advice of 'Fit your own oxygen mask first' practicing gratitude can serve as a simple yet powerful starting point. Practicing gratitude can feel more accessible or manageable than setting boundaries, particularly when organizational norms e.g. working late into the night, may not align with our personal preferences.

Practice empathy and self-compassion: As a servant leader, you are attuned to the needs and emotions of others. However, it is equally important to extend this empathy and compassion towards yourself. Be kind to yourself, acknowledge your achievements, and forgive yourself for mistakes. Embrace a growth mindset that celebrates continuous learning and development without self-judgment. Remember, practicing self-care as a servant leader is not self-indulgent; it is necessary for your own well-being and enables you to better serve others with authenticity and empathy.

Servant leadership does not mean walking all over your own boundaries and people pleasing. Holding space for yourself, establishing healthy boundaries on what is ok or not will help you be able to do the same for others.

Be vulnerable with your teams by communicating not only about your self-care strategies, but also when you've deprioritized self-care. Your humanity is what makes you a leader that people want to work with. Servant leaders must be honest about being imperfect too!

A fundamental principle to enable you to thrive in leadership is recognising that your resilience is in-built. It is innate, not something which can be grown and developed. Sometimes, the pressures of work or life in general make this resilience harder to access but it is always there. You can learn to to uncover it by asking curious questions about how people and/or circumstances are making you think, feel and act. It’s taking the time to take a step back, gain a wider perspective and reflect on your triggers. This will help you reconnect with your resilience and, in turn, help you to process with clear, informed and rational thinking.

Building trust and earning the confidence of your team is crucial in any leadership journey. Demanding team members will keep testing you so that personally they can write off your new slogan. Making mistakes is a part of growth, and being transparent about them shows authenticity. Keep practicing servant leadership, and your team will come to appreciate your sincere efforts. Stay committed to your journey, and you'll make a positive impact!