Ultimately this needs to be about helping others. You are only there to support the growth and development of your team. It is not about barking orders or compliance or subordination. It’s about how you get the best out of people through inspiration and support. You must care about the success of your team, and their development. You need to develop your team to a place where you can be gone for an extended period of time and they will be fine without you. That’s true success.
The core points of servant leadership include:
- Service to Others:
- The primary role of a servant leader is to serve others, including team members, customers, and the community.
- Leaders prioritize the needs of their team and work to fulfill those needs, promoting a culture of service.
- Empathy and Listening:
- Servant leaders actively listen to their team members and demonstrate empathy.
- They seek to understand the perspectives, feelings, and concerns of others, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Commitment to Personal Growth:
- Servant leaders are dedicated to the personal and professional growth of their team members.
- They provide opportunities for skill development, mentorship, and continuous learning.
- Building Community:
- Servant leaders focus on building a sense of community within the team.
- They encourage collaboration, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose among team members.
- Humility:
- Servant leaders exhibit humility and acknowledge their own limitations.
- They prioritize the success of the team over personal recognition and are open to learning from others.
- Values-Based Leadership:
- Servant leaders operate based on a set of core values and ethical principles.
- They align decisions and actions with these values, promoting a culture of integrity and trust.
- Decision-Making Through Consensus:
- Servant leaders involve team members in the decision-making process.
- They seek consensus and value diverse opinions, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among the team.
- Stewardship of Resources:
- Servant leaders view their leadership role as a stewardship of resources, including human, financial, and organizational assets.
- They make decisions with the long-term well-being of the organization and its members in mind.
- Leading by Example:
- Servant leaders lead by example, demonstrating the values and behaviors they expect from their team.
- They model servant leadership principles in their own actions and interactions.
- Accountability and Support:
- Servant leaders hold themselves and their team members accountable for their responsibilities.
- They provide support and resources to help individuals meet their goals.
Servant leadership is a holistic approach that places the well-being of individuals at the center of leadership practices. It promotes a collaborative and empowering environment, contributing to the overall success and satisfaction of both the leader and the team.
Robert Statsky 