The Power of Servant Leadership: Leading with Purpose and Impact (and memes)

What makes a great leader? Is it authority, decision-making, or something else entirely?

As I recently earned my PMP? certification, I’ve been reflecting on the leadership values that matter most. Servant Leadership stands out to me because the best leaders I’ve had were the ones who empowered, supported, and uplifted their teams. Hence, this post.

I believe leaders are supposed to set the standards they expect from their team. They’re supposed to guide their employees and business in such a way they’d empower, motivate, and improve working conditions or services through providing the actual support needed to their employees.?

By leading in this way, I aim to foster innovation, collaboration, and trust, and hope to be able hold a candle to those who helped me understand why this is important.

What Is Servant Leadership?

Without giving you a whole history lesson (threaten me with a good time!) - a servant leader is someone who believes their purpose is to support their team, not the other way around.?

Servant leaders don’t just hold a title—they embody key traits that prioritize people over power.

• Servant Leaders Listen – Actively hearing and understanding others' needs.
• Servant Leaders Show Empathy – Seeing things from others’ perspectives.
• Servant Leaders Support Healing – Helping individuals resolve conflicts and grow emotionally.
• Servant Leaders Demonstrate Awareness – Are self-aware and attuned to the needs of others.
• Servant Leaders Persuade – Leading through influence rather than authority.
• Servant Leaders Conceptualize – Thinking beyond short-term goals to envision a better future.
• Servant Leaders Have Foresight – Learning from the past to make better decisions.
• Servant Leaders Show Stewardship – Taking responsibility for the organizations' well-being.
• Servant Leaders Are Committed to Growth – Actively developing people’s skills and careers.
• Servant Leaders Build Community – Fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Why Servant Leadership Matters

A workplace is like an ecosystem—when one part suffers, the whole system struggles. Just like a healthy biome needs balance, a business thrives when leadership fosters growth instead of stifling it. [View my article on healthy business biomes, here]. A single bad leader, or someone who impedes their own improvements, is like keeping an infection or purposefully slipping up on good practices in your environment.

Leaders leave a lasting impression...

In my early teens, I would go to work with my Step-Dad in a Garage throughout the week. One particular shop manager, Bob, would take the time to explain every tool, gadget, or service he performed on the vehicles coming in. I enjoyed learning from him and the others in the shop. Bob never made me feel as if I was in their way, inhibited their work by asking why they were doing what they were. More often, I’d be given the opportunity to help by grabbing a tool, pressing an accelerator pedal down during emissions tests, or literally watching rotators get shaved for “quality assurance”.

In college I had a manager in the University cafeteria, Ms. Lisa Brown, who was a solid embodiment of a servant leader; she made sure her team had the tools and resources needed to do their job first, and was often the ‘kitchen mom’ for emotional support and guidance in other ways. Ms. Lisa was kind and understanding, but ran a tight ship, never expecting more than she was willing to give of herself.

I admire these leaders a lot, especially when considering them against those few leaders who did NOT embody those traits.?

By contrast, I’ve worked under leaders who ruled with authority rather than guidance—where questioning was seen as defiance rather than curiosity. Instead of improving, I was just trying to survive the environment. I was also often told I was argumentative and unsupportive.

One of the worst leaders I’ve had specifically told me not to question them, correct them, or oppose anything they said in group sessions or meetings, EVEN IF they were wrong. Talk about a red-flag.

This stark difference in leadership had their unique effect on their teams; they set the standard for better or worse.

How to Apply Servant Leadership in the Workplace

What would you have wanted from your leadership in a place where you needed support? BE THAT LEADER for your team!?

As a servant leader, I believe it is important to encourage a culture of feedback and transparency. One where no one is afraid to make observations, or objections, for the sake of improvement.

A servant leader should be supportive of their employees and their future goals, career growth and path, and their overall wellbeing. Healthy people can be helpful, but distress and other obstacles can impede both personal, and organizational growth.

Leading by example is one of the best ways to SHOW your team you’re serious about these aspects of business. Demonstrating integrity and accountability are the necessary minimums to expecting others to do the same.?

Are you ready to lead differently? Be the change you want to see!

I start my days asking my team “What can I do for you?”, and “How can I help?”

Actively listening to the responses, and actioning the requests or requirements for my team is only the first step in ensuring I am providing them the best leadership I am capable of.?

Leaders who serve their teams cultivate trust, engagement, and long-term success. Servant leadership isn’t just about being nice—it’s about creating an environment where people thrive, innovate, and do their best work. Quality collaboration can lead to a more positive and productive workplace culture, and with the right service, create better business outcomes and long-term success for all!

What are your thoughts on servant leadership? How has it impacted your career or workplace?

Thanks for reading, friend!