Lead your team like a shepherd: be presence, provide, protect

The fog in the valley and the servant leader

The fog in the valley was thick and heavy, rolling in like a blanket of cotton. The sheep huddled together as the shepherd led them gently, never pushing them too far but always encouraging them to move forward. He was a leader who showed his flock the way, and his example of servant leadership will never be forgotten…

As a passionate advocate for personal growth, I'm constantly seeking new methods and opportunities to grow, both in my career and personally. All of the training and courses I've already taken changed me somehow - some less, some more... and yet, one profoundly impacted me.?

A while ago, together with the A4BEE leadership team, I had the unique opportunity to observe a shepherd in action. We could experience that the shepherd's leadership style was all about servant leadership in action.?

It was the kind of experience that you need to face and embrace. It wasn't a set of rules or tricks you could take and implement immediately. Instead, it required a profound shift in perspective, critical self-reflection, heightened awareness, and newfound boldness and humility.

Below, I have outlined not only what I have learned but also some questions that stuck with me and that I try to ask myself constantly.

PRESENCE, PROVIDE, PROTECT

During the few days with the sheeps, I've experienced that as a leader, I have come to understand that my role is to be present for others, give them what they really need, and protect them.

PRESENCE - RECOGNIZE NEEDS

The shepherd-sheep relationship is built on trust, and that trust is earned by a shepherd taking an interest in both their personal and "business" lives. Shepherds show care by asking thoughtful questions and listening intently to understand the emotions behind their actions. They are attentive to their flock's needs, whether it be taking time off when they're feeling under the weather, celebrating success, or needing a boost after a setback. By taking the time to get to know them, the shepherd can build a bond that will bring the flock together.

PROVIDE - CREATE CONDITIONS

In the mountains, much depends on constantly changing conditions, so the shepherd must always look for the best path to support their flock. Similarly, organizations must consider how to cast a vision and provide their employees with the resources, opportunities, and freedom they need to reach their goals and thrive. To do this, a good shepherd evaluates a team's ambitions and provides meaningful and relevant projects to both the individual and the company. This will give them a chance to develop skills, achieve a sense of work-related fulfillment, and ultimately contribute to the organization's success.

PROTECT - REMOVE OBSTACLES

The modern manager is an enabler, not a controller.?

The shepherds has an important job to do when it comes to the health and safety of their sheep. They need to protect them from wolves, deal with health issues or sometimes even carry a sheep in their arms. The shepherd must also be prepared to remove any other obstacles their sheep may come across.

Being a Servant Leader is a constant journey?

Servant Leadership is an ongoing journey - and it's a journey that is not an easy one.. Those who have embraced this style of leadership are some of the most humble, courageous, and steadfast leaders who are not afraid of taking on responsibility and delegating to their teams.

I want to encourage people to collaborate with each other, enjoy their daily work, embrace challenges, and come up with creative solutions. To do this, I'm willing to grow and develop, adapting to the organization's and world's changing needs. Self-reflection, continuous learning, and focus on "presence, provision, protection" are key components of this journey.?

By becoming aware of one's capabilities and striving to meet the expectations of Servant Leadership, I would love to be able to create a culture of growth and development within my team.

And at the end of the day, I want to ask myself…?

Q: Do those, whom I serve, grow as persons?

Q: Do they become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, and more likely to become servants?