Weekly Servant Leadership Question: What is one thing I could do to better support you?

Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving those who were most vulnerable. She would walk the streets of Calcutta and ask individuals, “How can I help you?” Instead of presuming she knew what they needed, she listened. This gentle humility and direct offering of help broke down barriers and built genuine connections.

When you ask a teammate or direct report....or your boss, “What is one thing I could do to better support you?” you shift from telling to listening. It conveys respect for their unique perspective and acknowledges that they are the expert on their own circumstances. In servant leadership, recognizing that each person’s needs can differ is essential. By crafting support around their needs, you nurture an environment of empathy, inclusion, and empowerment.

Behavior to Notice (and Why it Matters): Look for a rise in proactive communication. When people feel genuinely supported, they are more likely to share updates or ask for help before problems escalate. Servant leaders benefit from this because timely communication fosters trust and prevents small issues from becoming significant obstacles.

Call to Action:?

- Who on your team might be quietly struggling and could benefit from your support??

- What actions could you take today to show genuine care??

- Leave a comment with a story of how you offered or received support in a meaningful way.?

- Share this post with your LinkedIn network to spark a culture of empathy.?

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