How Servant Leadership Fosters Belonging

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the leader focuses on serving the needs of the team or organization. This is characterized by a focus on the health of the team, the development of team members, and the achievement of a shared purpose or goal. One of the key benefits of servant leadership is that it helps to drive a sense of belonging among team members while encouraging their growth.

When a leader prioritizes the needs of their team, team members feel valued and respected. They understand that their leader cares and is invested in their success, and they recognize how their contributions lead to the collective success of the team. A key benefit of this approach is that by creating a positive and supportive environment, team members are more likely to feel safe sharing their ideas, taking risks, and growing professionally.

It is important that servant leaders place a strong emphasis on developing their team members, and sometimes, push them out of their comfort zones (knowing that the leader has their back). As leaders invest time and resources in helping team members to acquire new skills and knowledge, leaders should also provide opportunities for team members to take on new responsibilities and stretch their abilities. A key component to this is allowing the team members to experiment with these new skills and “fail forward” with the leader’s continued support. This will help team members feel more confident and capable, which enhances their sense of belonging and engagement in the team, which in turn leads to the collective success of the team.

Equally, if not more important, servant leadership promotes a shared vision and collective purpose for the team. This helps team members to understand their role in the bigger picture of their goals, the team’s goals, and the company’s goals. It provides clarity and accountability for the entire team. A strong sense of purpose and direction creates a sense of belonging and commitment to the team and its mission. Team members should understand how their contributions align with the larger objective and feel like they're part of something greater than themselves.

Servant leaders tend to encourage open communication, active listening, and participation from all team members. This creates a culture of trust and mutual respect, which are key factors in developing a sense of belonging. Team members should feel their opinions and feedback are valued and that they have a say in the direction and decisions of the team.

When a leader prioritizes the needs of their team, develops team members, promotes a shared purpose and goal, and encourages open communication, team members feel valued, respected, and engaged in their work. This creates a positive and supportive environment in which team members feel a sense of belonging and are more committed to the success of the team.