Servant Leadership: Embracing the Power of Putting Others First

When I first encountered the term "Servant Leadership," I admit I was skeptical. The idea of a leader being akin to a servant was counterintuitive to the authoritative, command-and-control models that seemed to dominate boardrooms and political landscapes. But as I delved deeper into the philosophy and practice of servant leadership, I realized that it was not just a viable approach to leading others but perhaps the most potent and transformative one. This is a personal exploration of that journey and an invitation for you to consider servant leadership as a pathway to true influence and success.

The Genesis of a Servant Leader

My story with servant leadership began with a crisis. The company I had been with for years was floundering. Morale was low, turnover was high, and results were stagnant. Traditional leadership strategies were failing us. In desperation, I attended a seminar that promised a fresh perspective on leadership. Here, I was introduced to the term "servant leadership," coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in his 1970 essay, "The Servant as Leader."

I learned that a servant leader flips the typical power dynamic on its head. Instead of the leader being at the top of a pyramid, they sit at the bottom, acting as a foundation that lifts and supports those above them. It's a philosophy that draws from age-old wisdom found in religious texts and ancient philosophies alike, which suggests that the greatest among us will be the ones who serve.

Understanding Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is about being resourceful for others. It's a long-term, transformational approach to life and work that has the potential to create a positive change in society. Servant leaders possess a blend of personal humility and professional will. They achieve results by focusing on the needs of others rather than seeking attention for themselves.

A servant leader listens intently, empathizes deeply, and shares power willingly. They are committed to the growth of people, building community, and stewarding the interests of the less privileged. At its heart, servant leadership is about nurturing the skills and talents of those around you, helping them to achieve their fullest potential, which in turn, propels the organization or community forward.

The Personal Transformation

Adopting servant leadership required a personal transformation. I had to re-evaluate my definitions of success and influence. Was I willing to set aside my ego? Could I truly put the needs of others above my own aspirations for status and recognition? It was daunting, but as I began to implement servant leadership principles, I found that not only were our results improving, but I was also becoming a more fulfilled human being.

I focused on three key areas to start my transformation:

1. Active Listening: I learned to listen not just for the content but for the context and emotion behind what my team was saying. This required a silencing of my own inner dialogue and a full presence in the moment. It wasn't about waiting for my turn to speak but about understanding the perspectives and needs of others.
2. Empathy: I strove to see situations from the eyes of my colleagues. This wasn't merely about sympathizing with their challenges but about truly understanding their feelings and viewpoints. I found that this didn't make me a soft leader; instead, it gave me insight into how to motivate and support my team effectively.
3. Stewardship: I embraced the idea that I was a caretaker of the resources and people entrusted to me. I started to make decisions based on what was best for the team and the organization in the long term, not just what was expedient or beneficial for me personally.

Implementing Servant Leadership

Changing my style wasn't easy. There was resistance, both from within myself and from others who were accustomed to the old ways of doing things. However, as I consistently applied servant leadership principles, the culture began to shift.

Building a Servant Leadership Culture: I started with open communication, fostering an environment where feedback was not only accepted but also expected. I began to step back in meetings, allowing others to lead the discussions. I shared credit for successes generously and took accountability for failures.

Developing Others: My focus turned to developing the potential of my team members. This meant not just assigning tasks but also offering opportunities for growth. I supported their goals and helped them build their own paths to leadership.

Decision Making: The decision-making process became more inclusive. I actively sought the opinions of my team, and we made decisions collectively. This wasn't about relinquishing control but about empowering others to take ownership and feel invested in the outcomes.

The Impact of Servant Leadership

The impact of adopting servant leadership was profound:

• Employee Engagement: As I began to serve my team's needs, they became more engaged. They were not just working for a paycheck; they were working for a purpose.
• Innovation: With a culture of open communication and empowerment, innovation thrived. People felt safe to share ideas and take risks, which led to better solutions and advancements.
• Customer Satisfaction: Our clients could feel the difference. They were dealing with employees who were empowered, enthusiastic, and committed to service.
• Personal Growth: On a personal level, I found a deeper sense of satisfaction in my work. I was leading in a way that aligned with my values, and it was not just effective; it was meaningful.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Of course, servant leadership is not without its challenges and misconceptions. Critics argue that it can seem soft, particularly in cutthroat industries where decisiveness and aggression are valued. Some misinterpret servant leadership as a call to put the needs of employees over the needs of the organization. But servant leadership is not about pampering or avoiding hard decisions. It's about making those decisions with the interests of the team and the larger community in mind. It's about being fierce with standards and expectations but gentle with people.

Sustaining Servant Leadership

Sustaining servant leadership requires continuous effort and reflection. It's a daily practice, not a title you earn and then put on autopilot.

• Self-awareness: It starts with self-awareness, recognizing your strengths and where you need to grow.
• Feedback: It thrives on feedback, actively seeking input from others on how you can better serve.
• Reflection: It demands reflection, taking the time to consider your actions and their impacts.
• Commitment: It needs commitment, a dedication to serve others every day.

The Rewarding Path Ahead

The journey of servant leadership is a rewarding one. It can transform organizations and individuals alike. It is a path not just to external success but to internal fulfillment. It requires patience, resilience, and a heart that genuinely cares for others.

In closing, my invitation to you is this: Consider how servant leadership might change the way you lead. Whether you're at the head of a company, part of a small team, or simply looking to influence your community positively, servant leadership offers a powerful framework for making a meaningful difference.

I've witnessed and experienced its profound effects, and I can say without a doubt that it is a journey well worth taking. The world needs more servant leaders – will you be one of them?

Get ready to take the lead with tools from my book, Lead from Any Seat.