What is a servant leader, and are you one?
By definition a servant-leader recognizes servant first. Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more caring world.
Servant Leaders treat themselves and others with dignity, respect, and admiration. Their team responds to them with trust and respect because they are “keeping it real.” A servant leader might say to their team, "I have looked at this problem from every possible angle and could really use your insight. How would you go about resolving this challenge?"
Servant Leaders hear and comprehend rather than reply. They focus solely on the person speaking to them, picking up on signs of happiness or irritation, recognizing a team member’s values while making a genuine effort to connect with the speaker.
Servant Leaders take a cue from their heart and use their head. It is the goal of these individuals to develop their teams into successful employees. They demand excellence from their workers and motivate with recognition and praise when the employee meets the high expectations placed upon them. The “servants” are eager to please because of the respect and support they receive.
Servant Leaders approach conflict with great awareness. During a negative encounter they calmly identify what is missing from the version being told, focus on solving the issue while re-building relationships. There is never a knee-jerk reaction to cast blame or create distance by refusing to discuss a matter calmly.
Two important questions...I would appreciate your thoughts on:
Are you following the example of a “Servant Leader”?
Are you identifying and supporting the “Servant Leaders” in your organization?
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Treasury Professional helping companies maximize bank relationships and services
7 年With Millennials and Gen Z continuing their growth as far as percentage of the work force, I believe we’ll see a trend towards Servant Leadership style. This is because these generations focus more on having a relationship with colleagues and management.
Risk and intelligence
7 年I would to think that I am a servant leader as I do my best to always treat people with respect. My view is that if you do not respect your team, they will not trust you and work with you to meet goals. my yhink is a great leader is humble before his/her team, not omnipotent (godlike). I hope I am what I try to be kind and respectful to all . We get what we give
Helping leaders unlock their full potential and achieve extraordinary results | Executive Coach specialising in leadership skills, high performance and career progression | Empowering growth with fun and personal impact
7 年Hi Rochelle. Great article and good questions. Thanks. I used the Servant Leadership approach back in 2001, when I created a new division in a large company - although, I didn't know that's what it was called... I took the 'upside down pyramid' literally and made it my own by calling it 'Management by rose bush'...Don't judge me, I was an Operations Manager through and through. All staff had to sit through my 'induction'(it probably was more an indoctrination, to be fair). I explained that of me as the most senior person, they needed to think of as the roots of the rose bush. I was making sure they got the necessary nutrition and water etc. Or in other words, the tools and equipment to do their jobs right. The supervisors I described as branches and yes, the leaves AND the thorny bits ;-) They are making sure that things happen on a daily basis (like photosynthesis) and protect against negative impacts. So finally, the front line staff: the beautiful flowers. They are the ones who make our customers happy, for whom they stop to admire the roses! And ALL staff and supervisors knew and followed this philosophy. It was a great working atmosphere and very, very successful. It was however the only time I have been able to do this.
Easier Change, Faster Growth: Change Readiness Expert: Change Management & Change Readiness Training
7 年You’ve sparked my interest Rochelle, where did you learn about this?