You want to develop your team’s skills as servant leaders. What’s the best way to start?

Like it or not, you ARE leading by example. You are either being the person to emulate or you are exhibiting the behaviors to avoid. The choice is yours.

As a seasoned Servant Leader, embodying the values and behaviors you wish to instill in your team is paramount. Lead by example in demonstrating servant leadership traits such as empathy, humility, and a commitment to serving others. Show your team what it means to prioritize their needs, empower them to make decisions, and foster a collaborative environment where everyone's voice is heard and respected. By modeling these behaviors consistently, you set the standard for your team to follow and inspire them to embrace the servant leadership mindset themselves.

To develop your team's skills as servant leaders, invest in their growth through training and coaching. Provide opportunities for them to learn about the principles of servant leadership, effective communication techniques, and conflict resolution strategies. Offer mentorship and guidance to help them navigate challenges and develop their leadership capabilities. Encourage them to seek feedback and support their continuous improvement journey. By investing in their development, you empower your team members to become more effective servant leaders who can positively impact their peers and the organization as a whole.

As a professional who has been applying servant leadership in agile methodologies for the past 5 years, I believe the key to developing your team’s skills as servant leaders lies in the culture you are able to create and foster, I'm thinking about some examples: Team-building activities and open discussions can increase empathy among team members. Promote the practice of active listening: we're too often invested in our thoughts to care about others. Instill a sense of shared responsibility: every team member should feel accountable for the team’s success. Remember, servant leadership is mostly a trait to be cultivated and developed trough constant practice, it's not a "one-shot" activity!

Reflection is a powerful tool for growth and learning. Encourage your team members to regularly reflect on their experiences, actions, and the impact they have on others. Create a safe space where they can openly discuss their successes, failures, and lessons learned without fear of judgment. Help them identify areas for improvement and set goals for personal and professional development. By fostering a culture of reflection, you enable your team to gain valuable insights, make meaningful connections, and continuously evolve as servant leaders.

Culture plays a significant role in shaping behavior and driving organizational success. Cultivate a culture that values servant leadership principles and encourages collaboration, trust, and accountability. Recognize and reward behaviors that align with these values, and address any behaviors that contradict them. Foster a sense of belonging and purpose within your team, where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. By creating a culture that supports servant leadership, you lay the foundation for sustained success and growth.

Servant leadership extends beyond the boundaries of your team to encompass all stakeholders involved. Engage with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and other departments, to understand their needs, challenges, and goals. Collaborate with them to find mutually beneficial solutions and build strong relationships based on trust and transparency. By involving stakeholders in the decision-making process and prioritizing their interests, you demonstrate your commitment to serving the greater good and driving collective success.

To cultivate servant leadership within your team, it is imperative to embark on a journey that encompasses both strategic planning and practical implementation. This critical process ensures that your efforts are yielding the desired results and that your team's servant leadership remains effective, relevant, and sustainable. Assess the impact of your team's servant leadership on various aspects such as employee engagement, team performance, and organizational culture. Reflect on the challenges or gaps that your team encountered during the implementation of the servant leadership development plan. Highlight success stories and best practices where servant leadership principles have led to positive outcomes within the team or organization.

Continuous improvement is essential in servant leadership. Regularly review your team's progress, celebrate successes, and identify areas for refinement. Solicit feedback from team members, stakeholders, and other leaders to gain different perspectives and insights. Use this feedback to adjust your approach, refine your strategies, and address any gaps or challenges. Embrace a growth mindset and encourage your team to embrace change and adapt to new circumstances. By continuously reviewing and adjusting your practices, you ensure that your team remains agile, resilient, and effective in serving others.

In addition to the key principles outlined above, there are a few other factors to consider when developing your team's skills as servant leaders. Firstly, prioritize self-care and well-being to ensure that you and your team have the energy and resilience to serve others effectively. Secondly, foster a sense of purpose and meaning in your work to keep motivation high and maintain focus on the greater good. Finally, lead with authenticity and integrity, staying true to your values and principles even in the face of adversity. By considering these additional factors, you can further enhance your team's effectiveness as servant leaders and drive positive change within your organization.