Servant Leadership- Nurturing yourself to support others !

In today's edition of Turnaround Leadership, we will explore the concept of Servant Leadership and its profound impact on both team members and leaders themselves.

Most teachings of servant leadership focuses on the team, direct reports , subordinates or parties one is responsible for, however how can you serve others without taking care of yourself ?

Post the COVID-19 pandemic, a light has been shone on the increasing need for self-care. Leaders at home or in the office found themselves scrambling to stay afloat as stalwarts to their peers, families and organizations on the whole, as we found ourselves grasping for help to deal with this unprecedented global impacting event.

Beginning with my home, as the head of my household, I have been labeled as hubby, daddy, uncle, brother, coach, boss, sensei, you name it, whatever the hat that needed to be worn as the point person of that group, I was it.

But in all those titles the fundamental necessity was to serve or provide something from me to others. If I am being honest my well ran dry many times, and the old adage, 'fake it until you make it' became stale really quickly.

I found my strength and rejuvenation through my faith in God that brought me to be surrounded by a group of men across the United States of similar faith, meeting on a virtual weekly call, now going on 3 years.

Well that is one part of my story and a very important one to me, however I want to use this platform to highlight to leaders to take that risk and go deeper into Servant Leadership. We will delve into the importance of understanding and helping others, while also highlighting the necessity for leaders to prioritize their own well-being.Ultimately, this compassionate approach not only inspires team members but also promotes growth and sustainability that will fuel your Turnaround Leadership.

Serving The Team?

1. Listen and Be Quiet: A servant leader must actively listen to their team members, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Psychological safety is a huge first step that must be established. Encourage open dialogues, empathize with their concerns, and respond with genuine care. This is done by literally being quiet, staying still and remaining uncomfortable.

2. Clear Communication: Foster clear communication channels within your team, ensuring that goals, expectations, and individual responsibilities are well-understood. Develop connectedness through your communication methods. Why write emails that no one reads ? Have face to face or virtual meetings with cameras on. By promoting transparency, you enable your team members to perform at their best while nurturing trust and collaboration.

3. Develop Individual Growth Plans: Take the time to understand the ambitions and aspirations of each team member. Assist them in setting goals that align with professional development, offering mentorship and support whenever possible. This demonstrates your commitment to their growth and encourages them to reach new heights.

4. Recognize and Celebrate Success: Provide regular and meaningful recognition for the achievements of individuals and the team as a whole. Celebrate milestones, both big and small, and express gratitude for their contributions. This fosters a positive and motivated work environment.

Listen to what matters to them with respect to recognition.

5. Foster a Culture of Trust: Encourage a culture where team members feel safe to take risks, share ideas, and express their concerns. Promote trust by demonstrating trust in your team's abilities and encouraging autonomy within their roles. This sense of trust will establish a firm foundation for growth and innovation. If trust is broken, do you part to 'mend the broken fence' . A fence affects both sides. As a leader take charge to fix the mistrust.

Nurturing The Servant Leader - Self- Care?

1. Stop & Sit Still : Self reflection and self-assessment. Regularly seek input from trusted mentors or colleagues to gain new perspectives and enhance your leadership approach. It helps if there is a common thread somewhere, as connectedness is essential.

2. Emphasize a Work-Life Balance: As a servant leader, it's crucial to recognize that personal well-being directly impacts your ability to lead effectively. Find ways to recharge, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and encourage your team to do the same. Do not be afraid to share with you team what you are or will be doing for yourself.

3. Continuous Learning: Invest time in your own professional growth by seeking opportunities for learning and development. This could involve attending conferences, reading books, or engaging in online courses. Stay curious and encourage your team to embrace a growth mindset. Explore educational and experiential avenues away from your current field.

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Show compassion not only towards others but also towards yourself. Embrace self-care practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and hobbies that replenish your energy and nurture your overall well-being.

Forgive yourself when you do not get something right.

5. Seek Support and Collaboration: As a servant leader, recognize that seeking support from peers and mentors is crucial. Network with other leaders who share similar values and challenges, and create a platform for collaboration, learning, and growth.

"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

This proverb conveys the idea that those who provide assistance, support, or relief to others will also receive benefits and rejuvenation in return. It's an encouragement to engage in acts of kindness and generosity, as they can bring about positive outcomes for both the giver and the receiver.

Wow it was a delight bringing this one together.

We will continue to explore leadership strategies in future editions of this?Turnaround Leadership?newsletter.?

Our hope is that you aim to make a difference for the greater good, always.

Dr. Gary Montoute?https://linkedin.com/in/dr-gary-montoute ?is a thought leader and is considered a formidable disrupter who is passionate about servant leadership and connecting people with their discovered purpose. He has formed and led teams globally, near shore, and onshore. His vast and diverse leadership has allowed him to traverse many Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. Dr. Gary considers himself blessed to have worked in healthcare, professional services, entertainment, higher education, and financial industries. His leadership expertise has transcended from the corporations he has served through many years as a soccer coach and a 40-year veteran in the martial arts arena.?

Dr. Gary Montoute is the co-founder of Le Montoute Group Inc. which provides motivational coaching and guidance to both corporate and educational institutions utilizing his expertise both from the traditional work experience and his experiential knowledge gained from standing up teams and departments across the Globe.?

?

?