The Power of Servant Leadership

From Selfish Leader to Servant Leader: A lifelong Year Journey

Let me take you back to a time when I was a young seller, 2010, driven by ego and a relentless pursuit to make the most money I could possibly make, with a low regard for my family, my friends or colleagues. I was a driven individual contributor in the sales world, laser-focused on my own success. My achievements were measured by the deals I closed and the accolades I received. I was competitive to a fault, often prioritizing my own goals over the well-being of my colleagues. My approach was simple: win at all costs. This mindset extended beyond my professional life, affecting my relationships with family and friends. I was so consumed by my ambition that I often neglected the needs and feelings of those around me.

I felt hollow, tired, angry, resentful. Despite my achievements, I was blaming others for how I felt. I felt a growing sense of dissatisfaction. I began to see the cracks in my approach—strained relationships, a lack of genuine connections, and a team that didn't trust or respect me. It was a mentor who opened my eyes to the concept of servant leadership. He challenged me to rethink my approach, to consider the impact of my actions on others, and to lead with empathy and integrity.

Embracing servant leadership was not an overnight transformation. It was a gradual process of unlearning old habits and adopting new ones. I started by focusing on authenticity, striving to be genuine in all my interactions. This meant being honest about my intentions, admitting my mistakes, and showing vulnerability. I learned that authenticity builds trust and deeper connections, both in the workplace and at home.

A crucial part of this journey was developing emotional intelligence. I began to understand and manage my emotions better, which helped me navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. I also became more attuned to the emotions of others, allowing me to respond with empathy and support. This shift had a profound impact on my relationships, making me a more compassionate leader and a more present family member. Pain was the catalyst for change. It allowed me to understand these concepts of humility, empathy and grew in me a desire to get better, change, and most importantly a disciplined approach at training daily.

Humility and empathy became the cornerstones of my approach at leadership and training. I was taking my own past pain and experiences and allowing myself the compassionate put myself in others' shoes, to understand their challenges. This may seem trivial, but it allowed me to support my team more effectively, and to start to build a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. At home, it helped me become a more understanding and supportive father and husband.

Continuous learning and mentorship was hard, and required a lot of not only humility and self-awareness, but it also was expensive. I needed to sacrifice, and it all played a pivotal role in my evolution. I sought out mentors who exemplified the qualities I aspired to develop. Their guidance and insights were invaluable, helping me navigate the challenges of leadership and personal growth. I also committed to ongoing education, reading, and training extensively on different techniques on leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal development.

Throughout my journey, I faced numerous challenges and setbacks. But I learned to view adversity as an opportunity for growth. Each obstacle became a lesson in resilience and perseverance. These experiences taught me that true leadership is about facing challenges head-on, and that every littke annoying thing in life, or any massive challenge in life, such as a death in the family, being laid off, you know, the big challenges in life!: ALL of them, are opportunities for growth and change.

Forgiveness, both of myself and others, is a big one for moving forward. I had to let go of past hurts, mistakes and grudges to focus on future growth. This process of forgiveness allowed me to build stronger, more positive relationships and to lead with a clear and open heart.

The impact of taking on servant leadership was profound. Professionally, I saw my team become more cohesive, motivated, and innovative. Our performance soared, and we consistently exceeded our targets. Personally, I became a more present and supportive family member, building deeper and more meaningful relationships.

Over the next decade, I embarked on a journey of personal and professional growth. I immersed myself in the principles of servant leadership, inspired by Robert K. Greenleaf's "Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness" and John C. Maxwell's "The Tao of Leadership." These books taught me the importance of serving others, leading with integrity, and building a culture of empathy and collaboration.

This journey of transformation also paved the way for me to become a business owner and an expert sales trainer. By leading with empathy, integrity, and a focus on serving others, I built a company culture that attracts top companies, interested in continuous growth, a dedication to train every day, and a disciplined and innovative approach at growing their business. Our success was not just measured by financial metrics but by the positive impact we had on our clients, and the community.

Lessons Learned

1. Authenticity: I learned to be genuine in every aspect of my life, not just with my family but also in my professional interactions. Authenticity builds trust and deepens relationships.
2. Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing my emotions, became crucial. It helped me navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and build stronger relationships.
3. Humility and Empathy: I realized the importance of humility and empathy in leadership. By putting myself in others' shoes, and understanding people from a true place of curiosity and care, I could better understand their challenges and support them effectively.
4. The Importance of Training and Mentorship: Continuous learning and having mentors were pivotal in my transformation. They provided guidance, support, and valuable insights that shaped my leadership style.
5. Adversity as Opportunity: Challenges and setbacks became opportunities for growth and learning. They taught me resilience and the value of perseverance.
6. The Power of Forgiveness: Forgiving myself and others was essential for moving forward. It allowed me to let go of past mistakes and focus on future growth.

As an expert sales trainer, I now have the privilege of sharing these lessons with others. I help sales teams and leaders embrace servant leadership, really helping them evolve the businesses culture so everyone can thrive. The transformation I experienced is now a guiding light for others on their own journeys.

My journey from a selfish seller to a servant leader has been transformative. It has taught me the true meaning of not only leadership but life—serving others with gratitude and integrity. As we approach the end of Q4, I encourage you to reflect on your leadership style. Embrace servant leadership, and watch how it transforms your team, your business, and your life.

These concepts are perfect for introducing to your teams during your sales kickoff in 2025. Let's connect to ensure your sales leaders and AE's understand the financial and cultural impact being servant leaders will have on your business.

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Stay disciplined and keep pushing forward!

Best regards,

Patrick Montgomery

CEO & Lead Sales Trainer

Innovative Selling Partners

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