WHAT IS SERVANT LEADERSHIP?
Ravi G Motwani
Vice President | Head of HR & Operations | Leadership Coach | Success Strategist
Is your mind working on what the definition is, is it a ?????????????? who is a ????????????, is it a ???????????? who is a ??????????????? Well, stop thinking and continue reading.
Because in the next three minutes, you would know everything about ?????????????? ????????????????????!
First things first: ?????? coined this term? And ?????????
?????????????? ???????????????????? was first introduced by ???????????? ??. ??????????????????, an American writer and philosopher, who coined the term in the 1970s. Greenleaf was inspired by ?????????????? ??????????'?? ‘?????? ?????????????? ???? ?????? ????????’?(see below), which described a character ‘LEO’ as a great and noble leader who only posed as a servant.
This concept resonated with Robert, and he went on to write extensively about its application in various contexts.
At its core, ?????????????? ???????????????????? is about putting the needs of others first, empowering them to thrive, and creating a positive impact on the community. It's a mindset shift that requires leaders to be ????????????, ????????????????????, and genuinely invested in the well-being of their team members. By doing so, servant leaders foster a culture of ??????????, ??????????????????????????, ?????? ???????????? ??????????????.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this concept will show you how to become a servant leader who makes a difference.
But you might ask, why do we need ?????????????? ?????????????????????
Well, in my corporate journey, I have seen many leaders who struggle with the traditional leadership styles, they lead with authority over service! I am sure you have come across leaders whom the team fears, not respect. And that leads to disengaged teams.
Such leaders focus on achieving their own goals, often at the expense of their team members. It is the ‘???? ??????????’ philosophy. This approach not only hinders collaboration but also stifles creativity and innovation.
As a result, team members feel ??????????????????????, ??????????????, ?????? ??????????????????????????. They start to feel like they're just cogs in a machine, rather than integral parts of the team. When leaders prioritize their own interests, they forget that their true power comes from empowering others.
By doing so, they create a toxic work environment that drives talented individuals away. It's no wonder that many teams struggle to thrive in such conditions.
The good news is that there's a better way – ?????????????? ????????????????????!
And one of the key principles of Servant Leadership is ??????????????!
Servant leaders take the time to understand the challenges and struggles their team members face.
They actively ????????????, ?????? questions, and show ?????????????? interest in the lives of others. This helps to build trust and foster a sense of connection.
Another essential principle is ??????????????????????!
Servant leaders ???????????????? tasks, provide resources, and offer ?????????????? to enable their team members to grow and develop. They recognize that their role is to serve, not to control or dominate. By empowering others, servant leaders create a sense of ownership and accountability, which in turn boosts productivity and motivation.
Servant leadership also prioritizes ????????????????????????????!
Servant leaders take responsibility for their actions and decisions, acknowledging their mistakes and weaknesses. This creates a culture of transparency, where team members feel comfortable sharing their own mistakes and learning from them.
By being vulnerable, servant leaders demonstrate that it's okay to ask for help and that nobody is perfect. This approach helps to break down the barriers of hierarchy and status, allowing team members to collaborate more effectively.
Furthermore, servant leaders focus on building strong ??????????????????????????!
These are essential for fostering a positive work environment. They take the time to get to know their team members as individuals, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and goals. They focus more on the Strengths than the Weaknesses.
In addition, servant leadership helps to attract and retain top talent. When team members feel ???????????? and ??????????????????, they're more likely to stay with an organization long-term. This reduces turnover rates, saving companies time, money, and resources.
Moreover, servant leaders create a positive reputation, which attracts new talent who share similar values. By adopting servant leadership, organizations can create a competitive advantage, setting themselves apart from others in their industry. By doing so, they create a sustainable business model that drives long-term success.
We all need more ?????????????? ?????????????? in our world. And I encourage you to reflect on how you can implement these principles in your own life and become a great SERVANT LEADER!
Just remember how Ken Blanchard described Servant Leadership in simple words as '?????????? ??????????, ???????? ????????????!'
All the best in your leadership journey!
#servantleadership #leadershipstyles #robertgreenleaf #leadership #becomeaservantleader
Senior Specialist - Maersk Global Services I Ex ADP employee I Innovative - An Idea Bank I Passionate about Leadership and Digital Marketing I Toastmaster's active member.
1 周This is such an inspiring perspective and an important philosophy on leadership! Servant leadership truly transforms teams and fosters trust. A powerful reminder that leadership is about serving and empowering others. This resonates deeply with me. Servant leadership is not just a concept but a practice that builds stronger teams and cultures. Thank you, Ravi, for sharing these insights. ??
IT Recruitment Consultant at Mgneto Resource Management Limited.
1 周What a fantastic exploration of servant leadership! It's truly enlightening to see how shifting the focus from authority to service can transform the workplace and foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. The emphasis on empathy, empowerment, and accountability resonates deeply, highlighting the qualities that make servant leaders truly impactful. I appreciate the insightful connection between servant leadership and employee engagement. It's a powerful reminder that leaders who prioritize the well-being and growth of their team members can create a thriving, innovative, and loyal workforce. This approach not only enhances individual satisfaction but also drives organizational success. Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive and thought-provoking piece on servant leadership. It's a valuable reminder of the importance of leading with heart and integrity. Looking forward to implementing these principles and witnessing the positive change they bring!
Global Leader in IT & Product Development | Driving Operational Excellence, Innovation, and Delivery Management | Expertise in Leading Global Teams Across Technology, Operations, and Service Delivery
2 周Nice Post Ravi G Motwani and very much insightful!!
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2 周Thank you for sharing Ravi G Motwani. Here are my two cents: Leadership in the corporate world often requires navigating challenges that only leaders truly see, like the dogs at the front of a sled team who encounter every bump, dip, and obstacle head-on. Those in the lead have the responsibility of guiding others, but they also face unique pressures and risks that aren’t always visible to the rest of the team. Meanwhile, for the rest of the 'sled team,' the view may not be pleasant (both literally and figuratively). My advice to those who want to practice leadership: even though you may not have a clear view of every obstacle, it’s essential to work together and trust the leader’s direction. It’s a valuable reminder that every position in a team has its own challenges, but those at the front carry a distinct burden of responsibility and visibility.