The Servant Leadership Philosophy

Servant leadership.

This term has been knocking on my head for a while.

How can you be a leader and still want to opt for being a servant?

Does that 'serve me better'?

Why should I move towards this approach?

Why should you rather be a servant leader than the traditional stubborn, boss-minded leader that thinks of himself above all around?

Let's dig deep into this philosophy in today's article, and I'll also love to hear your point of view on the topic.

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy that places the leader's primary focus on serving and supporting their team members, rather than on their own personal ambitions or exercising authority. The concept was first introduced by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 1970s and has since gained widespread recognition as an effective and ethical leadership style.

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Key characteristics of the servant leadership approach include:

? ??????????????: Servant leaders actively listen and empathize with their team members. They seek to understand the needs, concerns, and aspirations of those they lead, fostering a sense of trust and open communication.

? ????????????????????????: A servant leader prioritizes the needs of others and is willing to make personal sacrifices for the well-being of the team or organization. They lead by example and demonstrate humility.

???????????????????????: Servant leaders believe in empowering their team members, encouraging their growth and development. They provide support, resources, and opportunities for their team to excel.

? ??????????????????????: Rather than being a mere boss throwing at the managerial level to move things around, servant leaders view themselves as stewards of the organization's resources and mission. They take responsibility for guiding the organization toward its goals while considering the greater good.

? ??????????????????????????: A true leader supports and promotes collaboration and teamwork, not pulling everything around himself. Servant leaders encourage cooperation and foster a sense of community within the organization.

? ?????????????? ????????????????: Servant leaders uphold high ethical standards and act with integrity. They are transparent in their decision-making and hold themselves accountable for their actions.

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The effect of servant leadership on organizations can be highly positive and transformative. Here are some of the key benefits:

????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????: Inclusiveness makes employees feel invited and welcomed. When employees feel valued, supported, and empowered, they are more engaged in their work and more committed to the organization's goals.

? ???????????? ?????????????????? ??????????: Getting the right employees hired is one thing, retaining the right talent can be a challenge for organisations, and it cannot be underrated, especially for a longer game. Servant leaders create a positive and nurturing work environment, reducing employee turnover and fostering loyalty among team members.

? ?????????????????? ???????????????????????? ?????? ????????????????????: Empowerment increases employees interest and confidence in an organization. Empowered employees are more likely to be proactive and innovative, contributing to increased productivity and creativity within the organization.

? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????? ??????????????: A positive and growth-oriented culture is an invitation of success. Servant leadership helps establish a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, leading to a more harmonious and productive workplace.

? ???????????? ??????????????????????????: Don't keep everything to yourself if you think of being an actual leader! Open communication is encouraged in servant-led organizations, enabling better feedback, problem-solving, and decision-making processes.

????????????????? ???????? ????????????????: I can't do everything myself, and that's ok!

Servant leaders promote teamwork and support the development of cohesive, high-performing teams.

? ?????????????? ???????????????????????????? ????????????????????????: The servant leadership approach encourages flexibility and adaptability in response to changing circumstances, fostering resilience in the face of challenges. Tidal waves are often unpredictable and a mature leadership behavior can help manage things in a better way.

Overall, servant leadership has a profound positive impact on organizations by creating an inclusive, empowering, and ethical environment that fosters employee growth, engagement, and overall success....and that, I believe is what a strong and visionary leader looks for and cares for their business.