Leadership Love: Interact in an Uplifting and Most Human Way vs. Defeat, Depression, and Disservice

This is the 7th article in a series discussing the merits of Servant Leadership…

Throughout this series, I’ve been highlighting key leadership principles from famous authors like Stephen Covey, Ken Blanchard, and Robert Greenleaf, each a promoter of servant leadership.?

The articles have generated several discussions, prompting one person to write:

“…it is uplifting to hear about this research, on what I've observed to be the most human way of interacting with people at work and in our personal lives.?But, sad that I have very rarely observed a work environment that has espoused those behaviors.??It is such a loss and disservice.”

Another person’s boss informed her that she would not receive any bonuses, rewards, or additional benefits of any type moving forward, simply because she was earning more than her boss.

And, yet another wondered why some leaders feel like they must always exude confidence, even when they don’t know the answer.??She asked: How do we make it ok for leaders to say "I don't know" without it being seen as a sign of weakness? (Patricia’s question and my response)

It’s no wonder we hear the expression, “People quit their bosses, not their jobs.”

Robert Greenleaf wrote:

“… the great leader is seen as a servant first, and that simple fact is the key to greatness.”

Embedded within Greanleaf’s “simple fact” and “key to greatness” are 10 traits he believed important for every leader: awareness, healing, empathy, listening, persuasion, stewardship, developing others, building community, foresight, and conceptualization.

Larry C. Spears, former President & CEO (1990-2007) of The Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership, captured the essence of these traits in Character and Servant Leadership: Ten Characteristics of Effective, Caring Leaders.

Self-Awareness: A core trait for every leader

David Silvey is an author and a Director of Executive Operations in the medical device industry. When traveling more frequently, he recalls witnessing how poorly the “suits” would treat agents and clerks throughout the travel industry.

A lesson he realized that resonated with me:

“Don’t miss the opportunity.”?????????????????

Meaning, no matter your circumstances, always be kind; treat everyone with dignity and respect at all times. Perhaps this is what Greenleaf had in mind when he wrote about self-awareness and “inner serenity.”

David felt both are prerequisites for great leaders.?He also highlighted three character traits he felt most important: accountability, integrity, and listening.?Of the latter, he offered this quote:

“Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person they are almost indistinguishable.”

-- David Augsburger

Megan Heim is a Vice President in the Healthcare Executive Search space who also believes that self-awareness and inner security are fundamental for the executives her firm seeks. For her, compassion and emotional intelligence are very high on her list as well.

A few key areas they probe for when conducting interviews:

• Empathy: taking care of people
• Developing Others: those who get excited about what their team members have done
• Vision/persuasion: the ability inspire others to rally around an idea

One more trait Megan discussed was intellectual curiosity: leaders who were open to new ideas or new ways to figure things out when something isn’t working. On that, Greenleaf offered the following:

“… if one is a servant, either leader or follower, one is always searching, listening, expecting that a better wheel for these times is in the making.”

Your Evolving Servant Leadership Journey

As you can imagine, in addition to those traits mentioned, e.g., humility, trust, etc, there a number of others you might attribute to servant leadership.?However, where does one start??

I’d like to offer two suggestions:

1.????What is your leadership purpose?

On the one extreme, your reasons will be about position, power, or money. On the other, your reasons will be about serving others. Before you start, answer this question. (Leadership Purpose Idea courtesy Mark Balzer, The People Principles: Leadership in the 21st Century)

2.????Love & Humility

In their 2020 book, Above the Line, ?(a must read!) Stephen & Mara Klemich provide the reader keen insights into self-awareness; how to keep your behavior “above the line” via the power of love & humility.?Conversely, when our behavior is less than desired or “below the line,” fear & pride kick in.

What most leaders don’t realize is the answer lies in love.

Get started by listening to this podcast, my first of two interviews with the Klemichs:

or?

Read the transcripts of the 1st interview (book) or our 2nd chat (behind the scenes).

Stewardship: It’s how you touch a soul that lasts for eternity.

Looking for statistics that support the effectiveness of Servant Leadership? See “Employee Engagement: Expectation vs. Reality: ?Is Servant Leadership Right for Your Business”)

Until next week …

Join and contribute to our LinkedIN group, Your Evolving Servant Leadership Journey.

About the Author

Tom Crea is a servant leadership ambassador, decorated career Army Officer, and Blackhawk Helicopter pilot.?Because of his proven skills, he was hand selected to run the Army’s leadership development program at two Boston colleges, where he and his team transformed college students into combat leaders.?

Today, he is a Keynote Speaker, Leadership Development Coach, and Chief Experience Officer. He is also the author of Unleash Your Values, and podcast host for Your Evolving Leadership Journey.