How can I help?

Last week a TV programme popped up on my Netflix feed called New Amsterdam.? The opening scenes show a new Medical Director, Dr Max Goodwin join an underperforming hospital and his opening speech to the Medical team outlined clearly that his role was to help them help their patients.? In each subsequent interaction he always asked the question “How can I help” which is one of my favourite questions I ask in my day to day team interactions.?

I think Dr Goodwins leadership philosophy was clearly Servant Leadership. Unlike other more traditional leadership models, where power is often centralised at the top, this approach is rooted in the idea that a leader's primary role is to serve their team, facilitating their personal development, autonomy, and success.? By doing this in turn the individual, team and organisation succeeds.

The concept of Servant Leadership was popularised over 50 years ago by Robert Greenleaf in his 1970 essay "The Servant as Leader." Greenleaf argued that true leadership emerges from a deep desire to serve others. Instead of focusing on personal gains or authority, a Servant Leader strives to uplift those around them, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.

A number of high profile and successful leaders have adopted the Servant Leadership philosophy including Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, Herb Kelleher the co-founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines and in more modern times the current CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella who is reported to have shifted the company's culture from one of internal competition to one of collaboration and empathy, focusing on helping employees realise their full potential and driving innovation through a people-first mentality.

It is easy for ego to get in the way and think you are the “boss” but when you have a servant mentality, it’s not about you. Removing self-interest and personal glory from your motivation on the job is the single most important thing you can do to inspire trust.

The next step in embracing this Servant Leadership mindset is to stop thinking that your team members work for you. Instead, hold onto the idea that they work for the organisation and for themselves. Your role as servant is to facilitate the relationship between each team member and the organisation. Ask yourself, “What will it take for this team member to be successful in this relationship?” And, “What does our organisation need to provide to help them?” When these questions drive your thinking, you advance both parties’ interests and help them become the best version of themselves.

I think, when you focus first on the success of your organisation and your team, it comes through clearly. You ask more questions, listen more carefully, and actively value others’ needs and contributions.? Whilst I have never badged myself as a Servant Leader I do think it has significant merits in todays business world and adopt many of the principles.

As always, would value your thoughts via the comments.

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