To Serve or be Served

King Charles III has been formally crowned in the UK today in a spectacular ceremony.

His reign is supposed to be defined by a service to the people and to God.

However it is easy for others to think that it is a life defined by others serving 'him' rather than the other way around. We will see.

Because as leaders, our purpose should not only be to ensure that our businesses carry on as a going concern, but one of service to our customers AND our people.

A servant leadership style seeks to release the potential in others, sometimes at the expense of ourselves

Those who follow my musings know that I am passionate about this key style of leadership.

Here are 5 pointers to help you navigate if your style is one of servant leadership:

1. Servant leaders seek to understand and empathise with others' perspectives and needs. They put themselves in their followers' shoes, actively listening to their concerns, and respond with compassion and sensitivity.
2. Servant leaders recognise that they are not the most important person in the organisation and are willing to put the needs of others before their own. They are not motivated by personal gain or power, but by the desire to serve and make a positive impact.
3. Servant leaders have a clear vision for their organisation and are able to communicate it effectively to their followers. They inspire and motivate others to work towards a common goal, rather than relying on coercion or manipulation.
4. Servant leaders are committed to the growth and development of their teams, both personally and professionally. They provide opportunities for learning, mentoring, and feedback, and encourage their followers to reach their full potential.
5. Lastly, but most importantly, servant leaders operate from a strong ethical framework and are guided by their values. They prioritise integrity, honesty, and fairness in their decision-making, and hold themselves and others accountable to these standards. They build through this virtue strong trust and an inclusive outlook.

So we all need to measure ourselves to those elements as business leaders.

Queen Elizabeth II was much loved by exhibiting these elements - especially later in life.

King Charles III creating the Princes Trust demonstrates that he has the qualities to make a difference to those around him.

As the song says. 'God save the King' is needed for ethical strong leadership in these turbulent times.

If you want to know more about being a servant leader then please reach out. Our 360 leadership online review is great for assessing and developing those qualities over time.

Click?here ?for more information.